There are approximately ten registered midwives working in our practice. Find out more about each midwife by clicking below:
Christine Allen, B.A. (hons), B.H.Sc (hons)
Carron Canning, R.N., R.M., BSCN
Aynsley Donohue, B.Sc., B.HSc.
Tracy Franklin, B.HSc. (Hons), RM
Michelle Janutka, B.H.P.E., B.A. (Hons) B.HSc (Hons), R.M.
Mary Ann Leslie, R.M.
Andrea Levy, B.A., B.H.Sc (Hons)
Judy Rogers R.M.
Carla Sorbara, B.A. (Hons), B. HSc (Hons)
Wendy Wong, B.HSc., RM
Cynthia Rebong, BA, BHSc
Rivky Meldung

Christine Allen, B.A. (hons), B.H.Sc (hons)
My mother has always told me how much she enjoyed giving birth to both of her children. In my childhood I was surrounded by positive and affirming ideas about pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, I have always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth. It was not until I began learning of many women's dissatisfaction with their experiences of their births, and of the increasingly medicalized "norms" of obstetrics, did I even consider becoming a midwife.

I completed a Women's Studies degree at the University of Guelph in 1996 and it was here that I began to learn about the social, cultural, and political aspects of women's health issues. After graduation I explored midwifery by becoming involved in local childbirth organizations, providing labour support for women, and attending births. I began my training as a midwife in 1998 when I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University in Toronto. I enjoyed many different clinical placements, varying from rural midwifery, attending home births of Mennonite and Amish women, to a nursing placement attending births in a busy downtown hospital. Most of my clinical education took place here, at Midwifery Care ~ North Don River Valley. I have been a part of this practice since 2001, and a full-time registered midwife since 2003.

I am very proud to be a part of the midwifery profession. I am dedicated to providing safe, woman-centred care, and supporting women's choices to birth at home or in hospital. I am registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario and follow their standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols. I am also a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. I maintain neonatal resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and emergency skills qualifications on a yearly basis.

Carron Canning, R.N. R.M., BSCN
I was born and raised in South Africa. I completed my training for nursing and midwifery in South Africa and registered as a registered nurse and midwife in 1980. I really enjoyed midwifery from the start and gained wonderful experience working in both urban and rural settings. My husband and I immigrated to Canada in 1988 and I worked as a labour and delivery nurse for 10 years - in 3 hospitals, one of them being North York General, where we have privileges and in a busy obstetrician's office. Midwifery at this time was just becoming legislated and regulated in Ontario.

I was accepted into the PLEA (Prior Learning, Experience and Assessment) program in Ontario. This program integrates foreign trained midwives into the Ontario Model of Care. The process took a year and I registered as a midwife in Ontario in January 1999.

I also completed my Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSCN) at this time. I am presently working towards my Masters degree in Midwifery Practice.

I am a regular preceptor for the Midwifery Education Program and I really enjoy teaching students and mentoring new midwives.

I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives. I maintain current resuscitation certifications as well as keeping up to date by attending rounds, conferences, workshops and peer reviews.

I love working as a midwife especially the aspect of continuity of care. It is very rewarding to be a part of a special birth experience.

Aynsley Donohue, B.Sc., B.HSc.
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University in the spring of 2006. During the degree I represented McMaster on the Midwifery Education Program's Advisory Committee and I also participated in a research project titled, "Babies Can't Wait." I was honoured at graduation with the Dr. Murrary and Eleanor Enkin Award.

Prior to this degree I completed a degree in biological sciences at the University of Guelph. It was during my first degree that I became passionate about women and children's health care. I always knew health care was my calling but clinical placements at Sick Kids Hospital and Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre, as well as sitting on the Wellness Committee of the University of Guelph truly paved the way to midwifery.

I completed all of my clinical training in Toronto, the city I grew up in and call home. My first placements were downtown and my final ones, including my clerkship were at Midwifery Care ~ North Don River Valley. This allowed me to develop great relationships with not only the superb team of midwives at MC~NDRV, but also at our hospital, North York General, and with the community we serve.

I am registered with the College of Midwives and practice according to their standards. I am also a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. I maintain current NRP, CPR and ESW certification and keep up to date by attending conferences, workshops and peer review.

Tracy Franklin, B.HSc. (Hons), RM
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Programme in the spring of 2002. During my 5 years at Ryerson I was involved in several areas of program administration at Ryerson and at the provincial level. I was also very involved in the midwifery student association. Upon graduating I received an award for student leadership from the University.

I completed all of my training in Toronto and worked downtown for my first two years of practice. I joined this practice in the spring of 2004. I really enjoy working with the midwives here, the staff at North York General, and the diverse group of women that we care for. We are a teaching practice and I love working with students as a clinical teacher.

I have been working toward social and political change through various agencies and grassroots organizations since 1990. In the health care field I provided palliative care to people living with HIV/AIDS for 4 years. I also worked as a doula providing labour support for 4 years and founded TAAM (the Toronto Association for Aspiring Midwives) in 1995. Previously I spent 5 years at the University of Western Ontario in the honours BA program in Philosophy and Women’s Studies. On my own time I am an astronaut, a goblin, a princess, a cowgirl, a knight and a monster. I go on many secret missions. YES I have 2 fabulous boys!

I am registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario and follow their standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols. I maintain current CPR and neonatal resuscitation provider certification as well as certification in Emergency Skills for midwives. I regularly attend continuing education courses and conferences in order to benefit my understanding of the current midwifery and obstetrical research.

Michelle Janutka, B.H.P.E., B.A. (Hons) B.HSc (Hons) R.M.
I am the youngest child in a family of three siblings. My parents and two brothers were all born in the previous Czechoslovakia. Although I was born in Canada I have been exposed to the Czech language and culture my entire life and deeply value these roots. I decided that I wanted to be a midwife in 1994 after completing my first doula workshop, which was taught by a midwife from California. My life paths prior to this were also leading me to the profession although I was unaware of that at the time.

I have always loved working with people. For over ten years I worked in the area of aquatics as a swimming instructor for young children and adults, a staff supervisor and a facility manager. In 1993 I graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Health and Education and Bachelor of Arts in Health from Queen's University. The combination of Physiology, nutrition, anatomy and health courses provided a wonderful foundation for the understanding of pregnancy, labour and postpartum period. Other courses in reproductive technology, sexual health studies, and women's studies affirmed my interest in health issues and desire to work with women and their families. From 1994 to 1996 I volunteered for the Midwifery Task Force of Ontario which later became the Ontario Midwifery Consumers Network. This provided me with the opportunity to learn about midwifery in the Province and to become connected with consumers and other aspiring midwives.

In 1996 I was accepted into the midwifery program at Ryerson University in Toronto. My clinical placements included Guelph Midwives, Riverdale Midwives in Toronto and Midwifery Care ~ North Don River Valley. They provided many opportunities to learn at both home and hospital births as well as working with women from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition, elective placements included the Bay Center for Birth Control, Dr. Jack Newman breastfeeding specialist, the neonatal intensive care unit at North York General Hospital and genetics screening at Toronto General Hospital. These placements were very complimentary to the scope of the midwifery care. Placements with an obstetrician and family doctor also provided opportunities to enhance and refine my skills and to learn about broader issues in women's health care.

I am a registered midwife with the College of Midwives of Ontario and follow their standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols. I am also a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. I maintain neonatal resuscitation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation qualifications on a yearly basis.

Mary Anne Leslie, R.M.
I have three children, Sarah, born in hospital in 1974, and Heather and Simon born at home in 1982 and 1984. It was through my birth experiences with them that I first became interested and involved with midwifery.

I studied nursing, as a route to midwifery, from 1976-1979. In 1979 I graduated with honors from Seneca. Following graduation I worked on an obstetrical unit at Toronto General Hospital for two years. In 1981 I took courses to become a certified childbirth educator with A.S.P.O., the official 'Lamaze' organization. I have been teaching prenatal classes off and on since 1982.

Since 1981, I have been labour coaching at both home and hospital births. After the home birth of my son in 1984 I decided to undertake a formal apprenticeship. I completed this in January 1988, and began to practice as a midwife.

In 1993, prior to legislation and regulation of midwifery, I completed the Michener Integration Program and was registered with the first group of Ontario Midwives in January 1994. I maintain a current certificate in neonatal resuscitation and CPR. In addition, I keep my skills and information current by attending conferences and workshops.

I am an active member of the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM), participating in several committees. I have a strong interest in continuing education and routinely work with student midwives.

I continue to enjoy midwifery, helping women and babies and getting families off to a good start at this important time.

Andrea Levy, B.A., B.H.Sc (Hons)
I first knew I wanted to become a midwife when I was finishing my degree in Psychology in 1994. I knew that I wanted to work in women's health care, and midwifery was the obvious choice! I am also proud to be carrying on in the footsteps of my great-grandmother and great-aunt, who worked as midwives in Saskatchewan and Ontario.

After deciding to pursue midwifery, I studied Childbirth Education at Humber College, and completed a doula training course with Penny Simkin. I then worked privately as a doula and childbirth educator, as well as volunteering at Jessie's Centre for Teens and the Massey Centre, providing labour support and postpartum education to young mothers. It was also at this time that I co-founded TAAM (Toronto Association for Aspiring Midwives).

I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University in 1998. While at Ryerson, I was involved in the Association of Ryerson Midwifery Students (ARMS), participating in several ad hoc committees and the ARMS newsletter. In between courses, I gave birth to my daughters, Mischa, born in 1999, and Yael, born in 2001. They were both born at home with the help of midwives.

After having done my first clinical placement here at Midwifery Care ~ North Don River Valley, I was ecstatic to find out that I would return for my final year of training. I have loved working with the women in this community, and I am looking forward to providing care to you as your midwife. I am committed to the principles of woman-centred care and informed choice, and I especially enjoy getting to know women and their families. I feel privileged to be able to accompany you on this journey through pregnancy and early parenthood.

I am a registered midwife with the College of Midwives of Ontario, and follow their standards, guidelines, and risk-screening protocols. I am also a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. I maintain current certification in Neonatal Resuscitation, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Skills, and regularly attend continuing education workshops, conferences and peer review.

Judy Rogers R.M.
My work experience prior to becoming a midwife was in the area of alternative education and community development. The birth of my first child, Faith, at home in 1972, sparked a realization that women desperately needed experienced, safe assistants to support them in their chosen birthing environments, and I knew then that I would eventually become a midwife.

From 1973 until 1975 I worked as a midwife in Nova Scotia attending home births and teaching prepared childbirth classes. During this time I was primarily self-taught, but also worked with two family physicians. I completed a formal midwifery training in England in 1978 which included theoretical as well as clinical experience in all aspects of midwifery. From 1978 to 1990 I worked as a midwife in England attending home and hospital births. My son Tom was born in 1979 and my daughter Claire in 1981, both in England. I also undertook an M.A. in Sociological Research in Health Care which I completed in 1989.

I moved to Ontario with my family in 1990 and began working as a midwife in a community practice. I have been an active member of the Association of Ontario Midwives, and also served for two and a half years as an appointed professional member on the Council of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I graduated from the Michener Pre-registration Program for midwives in October 1993 and was amongst the first group of midwives registered on January 1st 1994.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am on the faculty of the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. I maintain a current certificate in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR and regularly attend workshops, conferences and peer review. I practice within the standards, guidelines, and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario.

Carla Sorbara, B.A. (Hons), B. HSc (Hons)
In 1996, I graduated from McGill University with a joint degree in medical anthropology and religious studies. Here, I volunteered with the McGill Women's Union and with a women's shelter in downtown Montreal. During this time I became interested in studying the history of modern western medicine and its impact on women's health in particular. Thus 1996, I moved on to pursue a master's degree in the history and philosophy of medicine at the University of Toronto.

In 1997, my first daughter, Yael, was born at home, attended by midwives. It was this experience that inspired me to take on a more active role in women's health care. To me, becoming a midwife was a way to bring together my dedication to creating positive change in women's health and my commitment to working closely with women and their families. As I made my way toward the Ontario Midwifery Education Program, I went on to have two more daughters, Mira and Audrey, both at home, attended by midwives.

In 2001 I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University and graduated in June 2006. My clinical training has included placements at the Midwives Collective of Toronto and Riverdale Community Midwives, as well as a full year as a senior student and clerk here a Midwifery Care North Don River Valley. As part of my training, I had the opportunity to work closely with an obstetrician and to spend time working in the NICU and in genetic counseling unit at Mount Sinai Hospital. These experiences provided me the opportunity to practice in a more high risk setting and to work with a broad range of issues in family and community health.

Like all of the midwives at Midwifery Care ~ North Don River Valley, I am a registered midwife with the College of Midwives of Ontario, and adhere to their standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols. Similarly, I am a member of the Association of Ontario Midwives and maintain a current certificate in both neonatal resuscitation and CPR.

WWendy Wong, B.HSc., RM
Originally born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, I am thrilled to be moving to this new community and to start my career as a registered midwife.

I graduated from the Midwifery Education Programme at McMaster University in May of 2007. Over the course of the programme, I have attended more than 100 births. As part of my midwifery training, I completed two clinical placements with the Sages-femmes Renaissance Midwifery practice in Welland, and spent my senior year with the Guelph Midwives. My community block placements took place in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Toronto East General Hospital, the Mother-Baby breastfeeding clinic, Labour and Delivery at St. Catharines General Hospital, and the office of Dr. Yeggepan OB/GYN in Niagara Falls.

My interest in women’s health sparked at a very early age and it began with my own mother’s childbearing experience. As a new immigrant to Canada, my mother faced multiple “access” barriers to the healthcare system. This negatively coloured her pregnancy and childbirth experience and has had an incredible impact on me growing up. I felt that there was a pressing need for both awareness and action to women seeking maternity care who fell into the under-serviced population group. Midwifery was my answer. It was the bridging gap to making pregnancy care women-centered, diverse, socially and culturally sensitive etc. and also, simultaneously, offering a primary healthcare service to all women.

Midwifery to me means informing, supporting and respecting women and their families through this profound period of their lives. To understand that birth, and pregnancy can be laden with broad values and vast diversity are also elements I see central to midwifery. As old as a profession that midwifery is, it is also entrenched and enriched by older values and to be given this small role to contribute to a larger part in life is a much sweeter deal that I can ever ask for. I am pleased that midwifery is continuing to gain its presence in Ontario as more women can receive its unique care. I am happy and honoured to participate and have you and your loved ones share with me this moment in your life. I sincerely look forward to meeting and working with you. Good blessings!

In my past time, I am a Food Network TV addict and I voluntarily don on the apron carrying with me my trusty spatula by my side. When I am not immersed into the world of midwifery, I find myself learning cultures, primarily through cuisine and language.

Cynthia Rebong, BA, BHSc Registered Midwife
In June 2008, I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the Ontario Midwifery Education Programme at Ryerson University. As a student, I attended approximately 140 births. I maintain current certifications in Emergency Skills, Neonatal Resuscitation, CPR and adhere to standards and guidelines as a member of the College of Midwives of Ontario and the Association of Ontario Midwives.

My clinical placements have included working in midwifery practices and their affiliated hospitals in Toronto and Mississauga/Brampton. I’ve also completed a placement with an obstetrician-gynecologist at Georgetown Hospital. Complementing my clinical learning, were placements that I enjoyed at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in the Breastfeeding Centre & Outpatient Clinic.

As a midwifery student, I was involved as a coordinator of the Association of Ryerson Midwifery Students and participated in the program’s Equity Committee. As a member of the Speaker Series planning group, I was active in organizing presentations that integrated reproductive health topics and socio-political issues.

Before becoming a midwife, I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies and Bioethics at the University of Toronto. As a member of the Women’s Collective at the U of T Downtown Women’s Centre, I enjoyed the experience of being involved in social justice organizing events that included allying with various community groups and social service agencies.

I gained valuable experience as a sexual health counsellor in Planned Parenthood’s ‘Woman2Woman’ program, providing counselling, support and reproductive health education in a women’s health clinic. I’ve also had the pleasure of providing doula care and assisting in prenatal classes at Jessie’s Centre, providing support to pregnant and parenting adolescents – a special group of young women that I look forward to working with.

In addition, I have had the opportunity to start a Master’s degree program in Environmental Studies at York University, where my interest of study was in community health within social environments, with a focus on urban maternity shelters. I look forward to continuing these studies some time in the near future.

Rivky Meldung Registered Midwife
I was born and raised in London, England. I graduated from the Midwifery Programme at Middlesex University in 2003. After graduating, I worked as a hospital midwife in labour and delivery as well as postpartum. Following this, I worked as a midwife in the community in a model of care similar to the model at Midwifery Care ~ North Don River Valley.

In 2006 I immigrated to Canada and completed the International Midwifery Pre-registration Programme. This is a programme which gives midwives trained in other countries the skills and knowledge they need to work in Ontario. During this time, I had 2 children with the midwives of North Don River Valley.

I grew up in a culture where large families and birth are common and celebrated events. This was a big factor in influencing me to choose midwifery as a career. I am passionate about providing women with professional care which will provide them with a life time of fond memories.

I look forward to meeting you and your family!