All About Us
Michelle Kryzanauskas
Registered Midwife - Partner
In 1978 my interest in midwifery began and in 1983 I began attending
births as a labour support person. I worked on a self-directed health
science education plan. During this period I continued to attend births
in an increasing role of responsibility. In 1985 I became a supervised
practicing midwife. I have practiced as a primary care giver since
1986. In 1988 I successfully completed a preceptorship with the
Midwives Collective of Toronto and in internship at a licensed birth
centre in El Paso, Texas, USA.
In 1992/93 I successfully completed the Pre-Registration Program for
Midwifery in Ontario. I received a Certificate of Completion for this
program at the Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences. On
January 1, 1994 I became one of the first 60 midwives to be registered
to practice with the College of Midwives of Ontario.
Heather Keffer
Registered Midwife - Partner
I have been interested and involved in childbirth and breastfeeding
since 1978. While I was having my own children from 1983 to 1989, I was
supporting other women with breastfeeding and giving birth. In 1986, I
joined Michelle Kryzanauskas in giving midwifery care through our
practice Midwives Grey Simcoe. In 1993 I was among the first midwives
to be registered in Ontario. At my grandmother’s funeral in March 1994
I learned that her mother, Louise Barton, was also a midwife.
I am a preceptor for the Midwifery Education Programme and Head Midwife
at South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Walkerton. I am a working member
of the Benefits Program for the Association of Ontario Midwives board
of directors. I also teach the Neonatal Resuscitation Programme for
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and recertify the midwives in my
practice.
I live in a little house in the woods with my family. We share our
surroundings with some chickens, cats and dogs, not to mention the wild
turkeys, porcupines, frogs, toads and other wildlife. My hobbies
include herbal medicine and casual gardening. I also like to knit hats
and have recently taken up knitting socks.
Lucie Nichols
Registered Midwife - Partner
I have been a midwife for over 20 years. I first became interested in
the profession when, as a student nurse, I did a 3-month placement in
obstetrics and just knew there must be a different way to care for
birthing women.
In 1980 I apprenticed myself to a German midwife attending home births
in Thunder Bay where I lived at the time. I went on to do formal
midwifery training at a large hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1982,
and returned to practice as a midwife in Thunder Bay in 1984.
I moved to Grey County in 1994 and joined the Midwives Grey Simcoe.
Barb Bryja
Registered Midwife - Associate
My commitment to midwifery follows a belief in respect, informed choice
and continuity of care for women and their families. I graduated from
McMaster University’s Midwifery Education Programme in April of 2003
and have enjoyed practicing as a registered midwife in this community
since August 2003.
Among my experience to women’s health include working with pregnant
teens, volunteering at a clinic supporting women who suffer from
postpartum depression, as well as working with pregnant women with
substance abuse concerns. Additional experiences include a volunteer
placement at a maternity hospital in Indonesia, doula training and
involvement with the Ontario Midwifery Consumer Network.
Past midwifery clinical experience includes clinical placements as a
student in Toronto, as well as here in Grey Bruce. I have also had the
opportunity to do clinical placements with Dr. Berezowski, a local
obstetrician, as well as with Dr. Jack Newman, a breastfeeding
specialist.
I maintain current certification in CPR and neonatal resuscitation and
practice in accordance with the standards and regulations defined by
the College of Midwives of Ontario. I am thrilled to have the
opportunity to provide midwifery care to you. I look forward to working
together towards achieving empowering pregnancy and birth experiences.
Angela Freeman
Registered Midwife - Associate
Midwifery as an art and profession caught my attention during my
undergraduate degree in Biology at Dalhousie University. My courses in
biology and international development, as well as my involvement in a
women’s health education collective contributed to my interest.
During the 1990’s my interest in women’s health, pregnancy and
childbirth increased. I carried out my commitment to learning more
about midwifery by completing a doula course, and by organizing women’s
health speakers’ series in Kitchener-Waterloo.
In 2002 I entered the Midwifery Education Programme (MEP) at Laurentian
University. During my studies I had clinical placements in Sudbury,
Manitoulin Island, Kitchener, St. Jacobs and with the Midwives
Grey-Simcoe.
I graduated from the MEP in April 2006 and joined the then, Midwives Grey-Simcoe in August 2006 for my New Registrant’s year.
Whitney Bonnett
Registered Midwife- Associate
Hello!
I am from Kincardine, Ontario and being able to spend time in a
practice so close to home is very exciting. In December 2006, I
completed a 3 month placement with the midwives at this practice.
During my time in the Midwifery Education Program I have had the chance
to spend time at several clinics and hospitals. In the Spring of 2006 I
was placed for 3 months in Welland. Earlier on this year I completed
placements with the nurses and obstetricians at the Owen Sound Hospital
was well as a one month position at Mukinge Hospital in Zambia. For as
long as I can remember I have been fascinated with pregnancy and birth
and I feel honoured to be included in the experiences of women and
their families.
I appreciate the opportunity to join all of you and I am looking forward to meeting everyone!
Jane Calhoun
Registered Midwife- Associate
My background
before entering the Midwifery Education program, involved studying at
the University of Guelph, where I completed an Honours Bachelor of
Science degree, majoring in Human Kinetics. I am from Bruce County,
where I grew up and live on a beef farm with my partner Curtis. My past
midwifery placements have included working with the midwives in the
communities of Guelph and Cambridge. My elective placements involved
working with Dr. Caulley in Owen Sound, The Family Birthing Centre of
Walkerton, and I have also enjoyed spending time working in the special
care nursery of Owen Sound, and with Brenda Scott, a local lactation
consultant. I am excited to be working with Midwives Grey Bruce, and I
look forward to being involved in your care.
Yuefang Liu
Registered Midwife- New Registrant
I am an immigrant from China. Before coming to Canada 5 years ago, I finished a university medical degree in 1998. Following this I worked in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a hospital in China for 6 years. This is my New Registrant year practicing as a Registered Midwife in Ontario. I completed the International Midwifery Preregistration Program at Ryerson University and registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario in 2009. My family is currently living in Toronto. I have a 2 year old daughter who was born with the support of midwives. I think it is a privilege to care for childbearing women and find the process of pregnancy and childbirth to be amazing. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this process and share your joy as you welcome a new family member. I look forward to meeting you.
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