About Kimberley Schmidt, RN, RM
It has been my pleasure to be involved with families and childbirth since 1990. I began my career as a registered nurse. My nursing experience has encompassed most of the perinatal areas but primarily labour & birth. I found great satisfaction in providing childbirth education, support (as a doula and monitrice) as well as postpartum guidance to hundreds of families. I have been involved in teaching aspiring midwives, doulas and nurses.
In June 2005 I completed a certificate in Midwifery through Seattle Midwifery School. Since then I have been in practice in Calgary and have served on the executive of the Alberta Association of Midwives. This long and special journey has offered me a unique perspective and I value the many experiences and lessons I have learned along the way.
On a personal note, I have been blessed with an incredibly supportive husband and four amazing children who have taught me so much about myself and life. I am grateful for their love and patience. In peaceful moments, I enjoy gardening and a variety of other creative endeavours.
My beliefs about maternity care are rooted in the knowledge that pregnancy and birth are healthy and normal events in a woman's life. As a midwife my goal is to help women experience birth's transforming power with respect and dignity; in safety, support and confidence. The opportunity for couples to start their parenting experience off in a positive and empowered manner can strengthen their relationship with each other and with their child. Childbirth is seldom described as easy; however, there are powerful lessons in birth if we are open to receiving them. I hope to share a little of this magic with women as they journey towards parenthood whether for the first time or the tenth.
About Viv Maclean, RN, RM
My journey into healthcare began in 1993 when I qualified as a Registered General Nurse from Foresterhill College in Aberdeen, Scotland. I worked for 2 years as a Staff Nurse in Neurology/Neurosurgery and then decided I wanted a career change and Midwifery was my calling. I graduated with a Diploma in Midwifery in 1996 from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and later obtained my BA Midwifery Studies in 2003.
I gained valuable midwifery experience working in two large NHS Hospitals in Aberdeen and Inverness prior to moving to Edmonton, Alberta in 2007. I have been very fortunate to have worked at Shared Care Maternity in Stony Plain and have also gained excellent experience in Homebirth. I have been blessed to have met many wonderful families and helped support them through their journey of life.
On a personal note, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by a loving supportive husband and two children who are fascinated by pregnancy and birth and always have a list of questions for me. In my free time I enjoy walking, traveling and skiing.
My experience in Midwifery has taught me many valuable lessons in life. Pregnancy and birth is an incredible journey and to be able to support and nurture the family through this life changing event is a great honour. My goal as a midwife is to keep birth as nature intended by supporting the woman and her family to enable them to trust their bodies and to be emotionally prepared for the awe inspiring journey of life. I look forward to helping you through your journey.
About Ali Reimer, RM
After a long and interesting journey, I am elated to be a registered midwife! While completing my psychology degree, a passion and awe for the life-changing experience of birth pulled me towards midwifery Before starting my midwifery degree in New Zealand, I worked as a birth and postpartum doula as well as a breastfeeding educator. I graduated from the Midwives College of Utah and my education was further enriched through my practicum with wonderful midwives in Calgary. Trained and inspired by their example of listening and respecting, I am moved to empower women to find and make the choices that are best suited for them and their families.;
The water birth of my daughter in 2008 is without a doubt one of the most potent learning experiences. Enduring this physically challenging experience, I was shocked by the powerful driving force of labour and the instinctive ability of my body to reach beyond the pictures and text of theory. The instant that my husband placed her on my chest, endurance was replaced with euphoria and wonder at the miracle of birth. Having supportive midwives by my side reaffirmed my commitment to provide holistic, compassionate, family-centered care to support the transformation to motherhood and the birth of a family.
Working in partnership with women and their families through their unique, sacred experience is a joy and an honour. I am excited to be joining the skilled midwives at Aurora Midwifery and look forward to sharing in your journey.