Val Albrecht

Hello! My name is Val and I moved from North Bay to Ottawa in 2013 to join Ottawa South Midwives. I lived in this lovely city as a teenager and am very happy to have moved back and become a part of the community again. I have been involved in midwifery and birth in one form or other since 1992, as a doula, a second attendant, and finally as a midwife. I can think of nothing more fulfilling than to be part of a family’s transition to parenthood.

I have 3 grown children, the youngest of whom was born at home with midwives. When not catching babies I love spending time at the cottage or doing anything outdoors.

Helen Guenther

I came to midwifery as a second career. What really drew me to midwifery was the unique connections that are formed with individuals and families as they journey to meeting their new baby. Having spent a number of years in a research setting, I found myself wanting to branch out to a space where I could use my natural preference for the scientific field in a way that would also allow for connection with others. Through this process, I researched social sciences, nursing and midwifery. I was blessed to meet some wonderful midwives over this course of exploration, as well as clients who had received midwifery care, and found that their stories deeply resonated with me, compelling me to become a midwife.

My goal as a midwife is to provide research-based, client-centred, and individualized care. I seek to understand the preferences and values of the clients I serve, and to help them achieve their goals throughout pregnancy, birth and post-partum.

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Nicole Pichette

Born in Vancouver and raised in Ottawa, I first pursued my studies in the field of neuroscience, earning a degree from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, and then pursuing studies at the masters level in behavioural neuroscience at the University of Ottawa.

Later, time spent travelling internationally and living in the Rockies brought me into the world of birth, reproductive choice, and midwifery.

I earned my midwifery degree from McMaster University, and have been privileged to have had learning experiences with diverse populations in Toronto, Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton and Haida Gwaii, BC. I feel passionate about providing evidence based, family centred care that highlights choice and honours respect, learning, and empowerment through health teaching.

I look forward to working with you and your family!

Khadija Boulaftali

Bio coming soon

Christi Baker

Having an interest in reproductive biology, a background in feminism, and an amazing experience having my own child with midwives, it is no surprise that midwifery felt like the perfect profession to pursue. Before completing my degree at Laurentian University in Sudbury, I worked and studied throughout Ontario. I fell in love with Ottawa during my final year of the Midwifery Education Program and am so lucky to call it home. I am extremely privileged not only to be a part of such a wonderful team of midwives, but to serve the families of our community.

When I'm not with moms and babies you'll find me soaking up time with family and friends outdoors, or on my own trying to be crafty in one way or another.

Liliane Dacmeta

I am originally from Douala, Cameroun (Central Africa) where I was raised and did most of my studies. As the mother of three children, my own childbirth experiences informed my decision to pursue midwifery as a meaningful career path. I have seen that having a knowledgeable and caring professional attending to people throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum can make a positive impact in the lives of families and communities.

Before entering the Midwifery Education Program at Laurentian University, I worked as a Nurse in Montréal, Québec. During my midwifery training, my clinical placements took me to many cities in Ontario including Toronto, Ottawa and Winchester, and I am proud to offer my services in English and French. I have worked at Midwife Alliance, Toronto, since graduation and it is with great joy that I am becoming a part of the wonderful team of Ottawa South Midwives!

I’m an active volunteer with the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) for the project Midwives Save Life (MSL) in RDC (Republique Democratique du Congo).

Libby Ormond

My name is Libby Ormond and I am a graduate of the International Midwifery Preregistration Program (IMPP) at Ryerson University. I obtained my midwifery education in the United States, during which I resided in both Maine, and Seattle, WA. After completing my midwifery training in 2015, I travelled to Nepal for a midwifery internship to experience maternity care in a different setting. I am passionately committed to providing high-quality client education and care while building strong relationships with expectant families during their transition into parenthood and beyond. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, I am very excited to provide care with Ottawa South Midwives and further get to know the wonderful community of Ottawa.

In my spare time I enjoy trying new recipes, yoga, beekeeping, and spending time with family.

Charlotte Toogood

Born and raised in Northern Ontario, I grew up surrounded by midwifery. I have always felt a strong connection to the time-honored traditions of providing pregnant people with quality, holistic, culturally sensitive and professional care.

I completed my midwifery degree through Laurentian University. Throughout this experience, I was fortunate to work in obstetrical surgery and the neonatal intensive care unit at Health Sciences North, prenatal health and nutrition with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, Labour and Delivery at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital as well as in private practice midwifery and obstetrical care.

Prior to this, I focused my career path and academic pursuits on gaining unique midwifery experiences. My passion for birth and travel led me to participate in health and maternity services in Guatemala for 5 years, where I worked with a variety of health care providers including midwives, obstetricians and traditional birth attendants.

When I am not delivering babies, I tend to my creative side by crafting, cooking, gardening and enjoying peaceful nature settings!

Melissa Lepp

My name is Melissa (she/her). I became interested in midwifery because of its dedication to equity, respect, autonomy, and choice. I continue to ground my work as a midwife in these foundations. Before coming to midwifery, I studied theatre and worked briefly in drama education and community arts, primarily with young women and 2SLGBTQA+ youth. I studied at Toronto Metropolitan University and worked with a diverse community of clients in downtown Toronto. I look forward to providing culturally safe and supportive care to clients here in Ottawa and feel especially proud to support clients from the 2SLGBTQA+ community. Outside of midwifery, I spend my time with my daughter, wife, and dog, exploring the city, dancing in our living room, and enjoying nature. It is an honour to help families welcome their new baby and I look forward to working with you and your family!

Gaëlle Nyamushara Ishimwe

I was born and raised in a small country in East Africa called Rwanda and moved to Canada in 2008. My mother was the reason I fell in love with midwifery – through her storytelling of her own experiences in the healthcare field, my fire for midwifery was ignited. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with diverse communities throughout my midwifery training through Laurentian University, including IBPOC, immigrant, and refugee populations. I am fluent in English, French and Kinyarwanda, and it would be my pleasure to provide care in all three of these languages.

I have worked with the midwives at Ottawa South Midwives for the past year and feel overjoyed to have the opportunity to continue serving this community alongside strong and capable midwives. Throughout my own journey in midwifery, I have developed a passion for helping pregnant people through their experience, and I look forward to serving you and our community.

Administrative Team

Whether you call our office or come in, you'll be greeted by a member of our amazing administrative team. Both Franca and Tanya help to keep our clinic days running smoothly, and help facilitate any connections you need to make within our practice. If you're in the office frequently, you might also catch a glimpse of Leslie, our Practice Administrator. Leslie works to keep our busy clinic functioning well and making sure we have everything we need to care for you and your baby.