Hi there! My name is Taryn, and I am so excited to fill the role of lead midwife with the Passages Midwives of Fort McMurray.

My initial interest in midwifery began when our high school class watched ‘the miracle of life’ video in science class. While most of my classmates were somewhat perturbed, I immediately became fascinated by pregnancy and birth. After graduating high school, I spent the next four years studying biology at Wilfrid Laurier University, working towards acceptance into the midwifery program. In order to get some hands-on experience, I spent one of my summers in India doing a volunteer placement in a hospital where I attended many births, C-sections, and other surgeries. Upon returning home, I completed my labour doula workshop, and a few months later I was accepted into midwifery school at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

While in university, I was able to gain experience working with some of the best midwives in the province, and was excited to join the St. Albert Community Midwives upon graduation. However, adventure was again calling, and soon I felt the pull to Fort McMurray, where my family has now laid its roots. It was not long ago that my first child was born at home, in the water, with the Passages team.

I am so happy to have found my place in our wonderful community, and to have the chance to work alongside the resilient families of Fort McMurray. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Pronouns: she, her

Tansi! I am a Métis Midwifery Graduate, Registered Nurse, and Lactation Consultant living in Fort McMurray (Nistawâyâw). Pregnancy and birth have been a passion of mine since the birth of my younger sister when I was 3 years old. It wasn’t until I experienced the care of a Midwife with my second baby that I knew I needed to pursue Midwifery as a career. I am passionate about informed choice and providing evidence-based care. I strive to provide safe and inclusive care to all people, and have a special interest in working with Indigenous families as well as the LGBTQ+ community. I look forward to meeting you and bearing witness to your sacred journey!

Pronouns: she, her

Hello! I graduated in 2007 from Lambton College in Ontario. I have worked as a paramedic for over 13 years with 5 different services. My interest and passion for pregnancy and birth grew during a volunteer opportunity in Ghana assisting in the deliveries of dozens of babies. My interest in birth autonomy and informed decision making grew through the experience of giving birth to my own children. I’ve experienced a C-section, a VBAC, as well as unmedicated water birth.

I am the owner of Mamasaurus, a business surrounding support to families birth and beyond. I am a DONA certified birth doula and have attended over 80 births. In addition to offering doula support, I am an IBCLC, craniosacral therapist, Spinning Babies educator and Certified Childbirth Educator.

I believe in birth. I strongly feel giving birth is a transformative experience that lives in a woman’s soul forever. Supporting this transformation is an absolute honour.

I am proud to call Fort Mcmurray home for the past 11 years, and I am looking forward to raising my 3 boys in this amazing community.

Pronouns: she, her