Our Midwives.
Andrea Levy, RM
Andrea was inspired to become a midwife while taking an undergraduate course with a physician who worked in maternity care in India. Born and raised in the GTA, Andrea is proud to be carrying on in the footsteps of her great-grandmother and great-aunt, who were midwives in Saskatchewan and Ontario.
In addition to catching babies, Andrea is an Adjunct Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, an Emergency Skills Workshop instructor for the AOM, an Expert Witness for HIROC, and a Disaster Response instructor with Humanity First. Andrea also spends time in the Arctic several times a year working as a midwife for Centre de Santé Inuulitsivik in Nunavik, Québec.
In her spare time Andrea enjoys reading, sewing, camping, travelling, learning other languages, and watching wacky British game shows. Prior to becoming a midwife Andrea graduated from York University with a BA in Psychology. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Edinburgh.
Andrea maintains current certifications in Emergency Skills, Neonatal Resuscitation, CPR and adheres to standards and guidelines as a member of the College of Midwives of Ontario and the Association of Ontario Midwives.
Wendy Wong, RM
Originally born and raised in Mississauga, Wendy Wong has now called the GTA (which she thinks includes Vaughan) her home and primary place of work and play. Wendy’s professional career started after graduating McMaster University’s Midwifery Education Program in 2007. Since then Wendy has been an active preceptor for the program as well as the Teaching Practice Coordinator for the practice. The desire to pursue and practice midwifery developed at an early age for Wendy. She recounts the story of her own mother immigrating to Canada and was faced with countless challenges to adequate healthcare which in turn had adversely impacted her mother's birth experience. Motivated by a sense of social justice in concert with women’s health, Wendy honed her craft and takes a special interest in providing health care especially to those where social determinants of health are at play.
Wendy is also a fetal health surveillance instructor with the UBC Continuing Professional Development and is actively involved in orienting new staff including nurses and physicians at her privileging hospital: North York General Hospital. She sits on the Newborn Patient Care and Quality Committee at North York General and volunteers her time with the Canadian Perinatal Nutrition Program where she leads free prenatal classes to newcomers to Canada, women living in poverty, or other social obstacles.
Wendy is an active member of her practice and when she’s not helping a mom breastfeed or catching babies, she is on a rocket ship with her two young daughters blasting off to unicorn land or drowning in Lego. Wendy also enjoys baking and all things sugary...in moderation of course.
She looks forward to accompanying you and your family into this journey of pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Krista Fairles, RM
Krista came to North Don River Valley for her final year as a midwifery student at Ryerson University, and was thrilled to stay on to practice here. As a Midwife Krista is passionate about reproductive choice, evidence based practice and helping new families settle into the often scary world of parenthood.
Krista is also proud to serve the midwifery community as a clinical preceptor and as a Trustee and Finance Chair for the Association of Ontario Midwives Benefits Trust. She also represents midwifery on the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Genetics Committee.
Prior to becoming a Midwife, Krista completed a degree in Plant Biology at the University of Guelph and went on to do graduate work at the University of Calgary focusing on the molecular biology of morphine production in poppies. Soon into that work, she realized a life at a lab bench was not for her and simultaneously discovered the existence of midwives. And here she is.
In the rare moments that she’s not working, you can usually find her in a kayak on a lake with her partner and two kids, watching Hallmark movies.
Mariana Tseitlin, RM
Mariana started her midwifery journey when she witnessed the birth of her niece in 2002 delivered into the hands of one of the midwives still practicing at this clinic. As she witnessed the birth she was deeply touched by the care of the midwives and their calm and confident demeanor that filled the room. She completed a psychology degree and then applied to the midwifery education program through Ryerson University.
Mariana completed the senior year of her studies at this practice along side the midwife that inspired her journey. Since graduating in 2008, she has worked in Hamilton and Brampton. She practiced in Brampton for 8 years however had always hoped to return to this practice in order to be able to serve women who speak Russian and Hebrew. She also was hoping to be able to work along side those same midwives who contributed immensely to shaping the midwife that she has become.
Mariana values giving women the power to make decisions around their reproductive health. She is committed to providing evidence-based care and enjoys sharing her knowledge with clients to help them make the best decisions for themselves, their bodies, and their families. As a mother of 3 children who were born at home into the hands of midwives, she also knows first hand the importance of compassionate care as well as the power of making choices for oneself.
When not busy at work, she is busy in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, baking with her kids or spending time outdoors enjoying nature.
Jill Taylor, RM
Jill was excited to join Midwifery Care North Don River Valley after completing her senior student placement at this practice.
Prior to becoming a midwife, Jill completed a degree in History at the University of Guelph and a Master's degree in Information Studies at the University of Toronto. Jill has spent over 10 years working as a research librarian in the Toronto area.
After experiencing midwifery care with her two children, Jill decided that she was ready for a career change and returned to school to become a midwife. As a midwife, Jill is passionate about informed choice and loves to use her librarian skills to provide clients with information, resources, and knowledge to make the best decisions for their care.
In her spare time, she likes to read and is always happy to receive book recommendations.
Maimoonah Ali, RM
Her interest in midwifery was first piqued when she sat in on her sister’s postpartum home visit from the midwife, only a few days after her niece was born. Maimoonah instantly fell in love with comprehensive and personalized care provided. She found midwifery aligned with her values on reproductive autonomy, informed choice and trust.
Shortly after, Maimoonah completed her training at McMaster University and has since aimed to foster a safe and comfortable environment for her clients and their families.
Maimoonah joined the Midwifery Care North Don River Valley team in September 2020. The diverse and welcoming community is something she looks forward to every day. Prior to midwifery, Maimoonah has spent years teaching reproductive health within her community. She aspires to ultimately make midwifery care and reproductive information more accessible.
In her free time, you will find Maimoonah baking, playing board games, painting and crafting, or spending time with her family and friends.
Jennifer Taylor, RM
Jennifer Taylor (she/her) is delighted to join Midwifery Care North Don River Valley, following completion of the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Jennifer completed her senior year placement with the practice and valued the atmosphere and support of the midwives who work here. Prior to completing the Midwifery Education Program, Jennifer completed an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences in 2019 with a specific focus on social determinants of health.
As a midwife, she is passionate about informed choice, and values clients’ lived experiences; combining the two to support clients on their individual paths to becoming parents. Her favorite aspect of midwifery is connecting with clients and providing one-on-one support in an often exciting, and intimidating, new time in their lives. Having seen firsthand the impact of support on health and wellbeing, Jennifer strives to educate her clients on the current evidence available in perinatal health to empower them to be “in the driver’s seat” of their own midwifery care.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys several different activities. Some of her favorites include being outdoors, cooking & baking, crafting, and spending time with her partner and two furry friends, Henry & Hector.
Jennifer looks forward to meeting you & walking alongside you on your path of becoming new parents, or adding another little one to your family.
Leide Mota Lima, RM
Leide (Lay-gee) Lima (she/her) was born and raised in Brazil, where she earned her first Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2009. In 2012, she moved to Canada, and Toronto has been her home ever since.
She graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), completing the four-year stream.
Before becoming a midwife, Leide supported families throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as a doula and Certified HypnoBirthing Instructor, providing prenatal education and labour support. These experiences deepened her passion for empowering families with knowledge, confidence, and compassionate care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
As a midwife, Leide loves helping clients understand the changes and expectations of pregnancy, prepare for birth, and feel supported as they transition into parenthood. She considers it a true privilege to be invited into such intimate and transformative moments in people's lives and to walk alongside families as they grow.
Leide is especially passionate about supporting newcomers and the Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking communities as they navigate the healthcare system in a new country. Having experienced the journey of building a life in Canada herself, she understands how meaningful it can be to feel welcomed, understood, and supported. She is always happy to help Portuguese-speaking clients feel more comfortable and confident throughout their care.
Postpartum care holds a special place in Leide's heart. She loves supporting new parents as they navigate breastfeeding, learn to care for their newborns, and adjust to the beautiful, sometimes challenging, early days of parenthood. She believes every family deserves compassionate, inclusive, and culturally sensitive care that honours their individual needs and experiences.
Leide envisions a healthcare system where midwifery care continues to grow and reach more diverse families, helping make pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support more accessible to everyone in the community.
Outside of midwifery, Leide loves spending time with her two wonderful furry babies, Lexie and Pandora. She is happiest during the summertime, whether she is soaking up the sun at the beach, camping, hiking, or enjoying a delicious Brazilian BBQ with friends.
Leide speaks Portuguese and English and understands Spanish, although she hasn't quite mastered speaking it yet!
She feels incredibly grateful to be part of the amazing MCNDRV family and looks forward to meeting new clients, learning their stories, and supporting them and their growing families through this special chapter of their lives.
Kristy Ng, RM
Kristy was delighted to join Midwifery Care North Don River Valley upon her completion as a senior student with the practice. Born in Hong Kong, but raised in the GTA – she considers both places to be her home. In addition to English, she speaks Cantonese and some Mandarin.
Prior to Midwifery, she completed her Honours Bachelor of Life Sciences at McMaster University. It was there where she learned more about midwifery. After researching more about the profession, she quickly grew respect and belief in the practice of midwifery which inspired her to pursue it as a career. She’s passionate about serving the community and working for the community. Before coming into midwifery, she had 8+ years of working experience in recreation with diverse families in York Region.
In her spare time, she likes to do arts and crafts, going for long walks, travelling, spending time with friends and family and exploring new places.
Michelle Janutka, RM
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Programme at Ryerson University in 2001. I had the pleasure of working in various communities during my training such as Guelph, Cambridge and central Toronto. After completing my last placement in this clinic I joined Midwifery Care North Don River Valley as a registered midwife. I value the diversity of the families we care for in North York and surrounding areas.
I have enjoyed the rewards and challenges of being a clinical preceptor for midwifery students of various levels since 2003. In addition, I have explored my interest for teaching at the Ryerson University Midwifery Education Program and as an instructor for the Emergency Skills certification for midwives.
Currently I am part of a research trial where we provide perinatal counseling for women with anxiety and depression at Mount Sinai hospital. This is a rewarding adjunct to my work as a midwife.
My previous education started at Queen’s University where I completed a Bachelor of Physical Health and Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Health. I developed a passion for women’s health and a strong foundation of the humanities and sciences. Completing my doula training reinforced my desire to become a midwife.
I completed my Masters of Education specific to Health Professions in the department of Higher Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. My focus of study was embodied teaching, learning, and caring. My passion lies in the teachings that occur as a result of human interaction and communication.
I am the third child in a family originating from the Czech Republic who immigrated to Canada in 1969. I am blessed with the love of my two vivacious sons. My personal interests include cooking, photography, gardening and yoga. I relish walking in nature with my sheepadoodle Amelia.
Frances DeCarolis, RM
Frances (Any Pronouns) was born and raised in Vaughan, Ontario, and is excited to continue the work of midwifery alongside the wonderful and diverse communities within Toronto and the surrounding GTA.
Prior to his completion of the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Frances earned his Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Toronto, with a double major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Women and Gender Studies. Accompanying these academic pursuits were local and global field research opportunities, as well as campus involvement in peer and activist spaces with the LGBTs of the University of Toronto and the Ontario Public Interest Research Group - Toronto.
Frances’ academic background in both the scientific and the social is complemented by a lived experience that demonstrates the importance of holistic, adaptable, and individualized healthcare. Having witnessed the management of her father’s brain injury from an early age, her first hand accounts are illustrative of the importance of integrating family and the home in medical care. Coupled with special interests in 2SLGBTQ+ and reproductive justice, Frances comes to midwifery enthusiastic to practice its principles of equity, autonomy, and innovation towards better, more fulsome methods of providing healthcare in the community.
Frances is very eager to join the brilliant team at Midwifery Care - North Don River Valley. However, if you can’t find them catching babies, you can expect to see them crocheting, doing crossword puzzles, or reading a good book after a good workout.