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 being a full-time midwife, Andrea is a clinical preceptor, Emergency Skills Workshop instructor, and Disaster Response instructor. Andrea is also a co-founder and Director of Programmes for the UK-based organization Inspiral Health, for which she is currently working on various projects in Ghana.

In her spare time Andrea enjoys reading, kayaking, Pilates, travelling, and learning other languages. 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.

Carron Canning, RM

Carron was born and raised in South Africa and registered as a nurse and midwife in 1980.   She gained great experience working in both urban and rural settings, which gave her a good grounding from which to grow and develop her skills.  Carron immigrated to Canada in 1988 and worked as a labour and delivery nurse for 10 years - in 3 hospitals, one of them being North York General and in a busy obstetrician's office.  Midwifery at this time was just becoming legislated and regulated in Ontario.

Carron was accepted into the PLEA (Prior Learning, Experience and Assessment) program in Ontario in 1998 and registered as a midwife in Ontario in January 1999.  A few years later she went on to also complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN).

Carron is also a very active part of the greater North York General Hospital team, serving on committees and previously filling the role of head midwife.  She is proud of the great relationship midwives have with the physicians and nursing staff at NYGH. 

When she’s not working, which is rare, Carron can be found playing many sports including tennis and pickleball.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Shay Bodak, RM

Shay Bodak (she/they) is a graduate of the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University, with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Lakehead University. 

She has always had an interest in health, bodies and birth- so her midwifery career is a reflection of the things that matter most to her. Shay is committed to providing inclusive pregnancy care that centres on client needs, rooted in clear communication around wants, and concerns. She values the opportunity to work closely with families during vulnerable transitions and strives to create an environment of empathy and respect.

With a firm belief in individualized care and informed choice, Shay aspires to create a relationship that empowers families on their unique paths to parenthood.

Through her community work in Thunder Bay and Toronto, Shay has cultivated a passion for health care accessibility and reproductive justice. All of these values are reflected in her work and the way she engages with clients and families. 

In her free time, Shay enjoys hiking with her partner and their two dogs, rock climbing, biking, and travelling to new places. 

Mary Ann Leslie, RM

Mary Ann has three children, Sarah, born in hospital in 1974, and Heather and Simon, born at home in 1982 and 1984.  It was through her birth experiences with them that she first became interested and involved with midwifery.

Mary Ann studied nursing, as a route to midwifery, from 1976 – 1979.  In 1979 she graduated with honours from Seneca.  Following graduation she worked on the obstetrical unit at Toronto General Hospital for two years and became a certified childbirth educator.  

After the home birth of her son in 1984 she undertook a formal apprenticeship to become a Midwife.  She completed this in January 1988, prior to Midwifery legislation in Ontario, and began to practice as a midwife.  Mary Ann was actively involved with the efforts to legislate midwifery and, in 1994, was registered with the first group of regulated Ontario Midwives.  

She is an active member of the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM), participating in several committees and fighting for pay equity for Midwives.  She also co-authored the first several editions of the Ontario Midwives Association Emergency Skills Handbook.  She has a strong interest in continuing education and routinely works with student midwives. 

Mary Ann continues to enjoy midwifery, helping women and babies and getting families off to a good start

Heather Jones, RM

Heather Jones (she/her) is a recent graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and has completed placements in Scarborough and the west end of Toronto - now it’s time for her to see what the north has to offer!

Heather Jones (she/her) was born and raised in Scarborough, and before starting her midwifery education, Heather obtained her degree in Physical Health and Education at U of T. She has enjoyed working as a personal trainer since 2006, with specialty training in the areas of pre and postnatal exercise as well as core and pelvic floor function. Heather has also been a full spectrum doula since 2010, gaining knowledge and experience with growing families while raising her own two children, who are not so little anymore!

Heather values accessible care for pregnant people and their growing families, and providing safe, judgement-free care to her clients. Heather is also passionate about reducing fear around childbirth, and instilling confidence in pregnant people so that they can trust their instincts and make informed decisions about their pregnancies and births that are right for them. She looks forward to the privilege to work with a new community and extends a huge thank-you in advance to all of you who will be involved in her care.

 When not catching babies, you’ll find Heather on the beach, camping, in the gym, and at home making macrame while blaring 90’s hits.

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.

Angelica Solis,
Administrator

Samantha Sham,
Office Manager

Mary Nazarkevitch, Administrator

Rachael Silveira,
Administrator