Meet the Huron Midwives
MIDWIFE & OWNER OF HURON MIDWIVES
Ellen Peel, RM
My name is Ellen Peel. I am a registered midwife and the current owner of Huron Midwives. I grew up in the lovely rural community of Lucknow and I am so happy to be back living in Lucknow with my husband and three children while working as a midwife. Midwifery has been my dream since I was fortunate enough to work with Susan Wilts, founder of Huron Midwives, in my final year of highschool as part of my co-operative education program. I completed a year of a Bachelor of Science of Nursing at McMaster University but had the opportunity to pursue my passion for midwifery when I enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University. Throughout my journey to become a midwife, I have enjoyed learning from and helping new families in Milverton, Kingston, Hamilton, Guelph and even New Zealand. I enjoy supporting women and families in this community through their unique childbirth experiences. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this special journey as women are empowered to be active participants in such a life-changing event.
MIDWIFE
Melissa Murchison, RM
I am so excited to be with the Huron Midwives team!
As a child in a military family I have had the privilege of living all over our beautiful country. I spent most of my childhood on Vancouver Island in British Columbia and have been in Ontario ever since starting High School. I have a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Waterloo and started a master’s degree in molecular biology there as well. It was during my time in graduate school that I found and started to fall in love with midwifery. The more I learned, the more I realized midwifery was the profession I had been looking for. So, I left graduate school and started the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University. Learning the art and science of midwifery has been one of the most fulfilling and challenging experiences, and I am thrilled to be able to put my learning into practice.
I am passionate about supporting families through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum. And I am looking forward to caring for the families of Huron county.
When I am not working I can most likely be found at home with my cat, a big cup of tea and my latest knitting project.
MIDWIFE
Krista DiCecco, RM
Hello, my name is Krista DiCecco, and I am very excited to be working with the Huron Midwives as a registered midwife! I was born and raised in Essex-County, Ontario, where the majority of my family still lives. One of the things that drew me to working as a midwife was the profession’s goal to encourage clients to take control of their health and make informed choices; I believe it is so empowering for people to be actively involved in the crazy process that is pregnancy, birth, and beyond! As a student midwife, I was lucky enough to get some placements all over Ontario, in communities such as London, Windsor, Cambridge, Oshawa, and Barrie. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program through Laurentian University in 2014, and since then, I have been working as a midwife in a small northern town called The Pas, Manitoba. I have loved my experience in the North, and was sad to leave, however, I felt it was time to be a little closer to my expanding family!
In Huron County, you may see me around riding a bicycle or (hopefully) in a yard gardening. Some other interests of mine include reading, camping, knitting, and playing the occasional video game. I live in Exeter with my partner Thomas, our son Ennio and my two cats.
MIDWIFE
Madeleine McConnell, RM
I am thrilled to be part of the team at Huron Midwives!
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. I attended the University of Guelph to undergo a Bachelor of Sciences in Infant Development before moving to Sudbury to follow my true passion for midwifery! I am lucky to have had placements that allowed me to work along side wonderful health care providers all over Ontario including obstetricians, nurses, indigenous midwives, lactation consultants and pelvic floor physiotherapists.
I first resonated with the core values of midwifery- the coming together of evidence based practice, informed choice, bodily autonomy, social justice and empowerment. The life changing process of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood never ceases to amaze me. Being able to witness the strength and uniqueness of each family during this season of life will always be a privilege.
In my spare time you may find me riding a bike (until the Huron County winter hits of course), out on the water, hiking, traveling and drinking lots of coffee. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives during this time, and I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
MIDWIFE
Rebecca Boekee, RM
Hello! My name is Rebecca Boekee and I am so excited to be joining the team at Huron Midwives! Growing up on a farm, I was always fascinated by birth, even in the animal world. This eventually led me to pursue a career in midwifery. I started my midwifery education by obtaining my American certification. This part of my journey took me to the Philippines where I lived for 2½ years working in a busy birth centre, and then on to a beautiful practice in Palmer, Alaska for several months. Following this, I spent a year in the International Midwifery Pre-Registration Program at Ryerson University, graduating in 2018, and then practicing as a Registered Midwife in Sarnia for a year and a half before joining Huron Midwives in 2019. I believe that each birth and each family’s journey is unique and it is such a privilege to join in with them on that adventure. I am looking forward to getting to know and serving the families in Huron County!
MIDWIFE
Melissa Coubrough, RM
My name is Melissa Coubrough and I am thrilled to be joining the team at Huron Midwives! I grew up in a village in Oxford county and am excited to be returning to a more rural setting after practising midwifery in London for 10 years. I found midwifery after completing a Bachelor's of Science and a Masters of Science (both in Molecular Biology and Genetics) at the University of Guelph. Once I began my midwifery career, I quickly realized this was what I was meant to do. I am deeply passionate about empowering women during their pregnancy, labour and birth, and their postpartum. (I'm also deeply passionate about cuddling all the adorable babies!!) In my off call time, I dream about rescuing all of the black cats (I have two - Lady Tesla and Chester), I love music, TV and movies, dabble in crafting, and, in the summer time, you can find me at my family's Lake Huron island cottage (but only when I'm off call!) I am so grateful and excited to meet you and be a part of your growing family's journey!
MIDWIFE
Claire Allan, RM
Hello, my name is Claire Allan, I am very excited to be part of the team at Huron Midwives. I grew up on a family farm outside of Brucefield, and I am so happy to be returning to the area to provide care to families in the county.
I did my undergraduate degree at Western University and graduated with a degree in Health Sciences. It was during that time that I discovered midwifery and decided to pursue it as a career. I had always loved learning about the physiology of the human body and midwifery combined that with the ability to form long lasting relationships with clients. I completed my midwifery degree at McMaster University. Most of my placements were in London and the surrounding area.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the rural health care setting throughout these placements and that re-affirmed my commitment to providing care to rural communities. I look forward to providing care to you and your family!
ADMINISTRATOR
Valerie Shortreed, RN
Hello! My name is Valerie Shortreed. I am the Practice Administrator at Huron Community Midwifery Services.I live on a farm near Blyth, with my husband and 4 children. I graduated from Conestoga College, Kitchener ON, in 1996 as a Registered Nurse. Since then I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings. In 2004 I began working at Huron Community Midwifery Services as a Second Birth Attendant, attending home and hospital births with Midwife Susan Wilts. In 2012 my role changed as I became the Practice Administrator.It is a privilege to be involved in the care Huron Community Midwifery Services provides to expecting parents in this community. I look forward to meeting you and celebrating with you as you journey through pregnancy and the birth of your new baby.
SECOND ATTENDANT
Kendra Wilts, RPN
I am a mother of five children, who were all born at home with Susan Wilts (my mother-in-law) as my midwife! My role as a Second Birth Attendant allows me to assist the midwives with most hospital and home birth deliveries. My interest in birth and midwifery care was sparked during my Grade 11 Co-op, I came to work at the clinic and was able to attend births. After graduating high school, I attended Conestoga College to become a Registered Practical Nurse. Wanting to be involved in birth again, I took additional education to become a qualified Second Birth Attendant. I have been working with the Huron Midwives for the last 18 years. I love to attend as many births as possible, and witness the Miracle of Life.
BUSINESS MANAGER
Margaret deBoer, RN
Hello, I’m Margaret deBoer. I enjoy working part-time at Huron Midwives as Business Manager. I have a BScN from McMaster. Over the years, nursing opened doors for me to work in Public Health, the Community, Physical Rehabilitation, and Long Term Care. Now, at Huron Midwives, My role supports Infection Prevention and Control, Health and Safety, and governance. My husband and I farm. We have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. Family, outdoor activities, music, reading, community involvement, and learning new things give me joy.
SECOND ATTENDANT
Haylee Caldwell, RN
My name is Haylee Caldwell and I am a Registered Nurse/Second Attendant with Huron Midwives. I was born and raised in Huron County and now live in Hensall with my husband and three children. I am a homeschooling mom of three boys (Mason, Bentley, Lane) and delivered my youngest son under the care of Huron Midwives. I completed my BScN degree at Western University and have always been passionate about maternal/child healthcare. I worked as an Obstetrics Nurse in a hospital setting for 3 years before joining Huron Midwives in February 2020. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working as a Second Attendant, and I feel honored to be able to support women (and their families) during labour and birth.