ACCESS MIDWIFERY - Key Persons
Hi there, my name is Devi Garner, my pronouns are she/her, and I am delighted to join the excellent midwifery team here at Access Midwifery. I am from a family of European ancestry and was born in Aotearoa (New Zealand), the traditional territory of the Te Atiawa Maori. I have lived in four countries, but for most of the last 20 years I have been grateful to live, study, work, and raise my children on southern Vancouver Island, as an immigrant and settler in the traditional unceded territories of the Lekwungen-speaking Coast Salish peoples.
Long before completing my training as a Registered Midwife at the University of British Columbia, I grew up listening to stories from my midwife auntie and witnessing the excellent midwifery care that welcomed my five younger siblings. My own children were born at home into the skilled hands and hearts of midwives. Providing support to friends and family as a doula and working as a medical office assistant for midwives made the call to birth work impossible to ignore. Prior to becoming a midwife, I earned a diploma in Business Administration. I have a background in environmental science, fine art, technology, and entrepreneurship. I am particularly interested in perinatal mental health, building community, and working with families affected by migration.
Outside of midwifery, I maintain my own wellness through belly laughs with friends, trying to keep up with my wonderful teenagers, and walking my clever dog and determined cat with my partner. I can often be found breathing in forests, listening to the ocean, and muddling my way through yoga and meditation.
Facilitating connection and empowerment for my clients during the transformative time of pregnancy and birthing is deeply gratifying. I can't imagine a greater privilege than to accompany you and your family in your journey. I look forward to being part of your care team and to supporting you as your experience unfolds.
I joined Access Midwifery in Fall 2020. I will be one of the first faces when you walk in the door and will help facilitate your journey at Access Midwifery. As a mom of three and grandmother to six, all of whom were delivered by the Midwives here at Access I am happy to be here as the administrator. As an experienced community doula, I have had the privilege of working with and educating families about their bodies and birth.
Access Midwifery has a great atmosphere and I love working with the Midwifery teams and all of you.
Hi! My name is Melanie. I am thrilled to be joining the team at Access as a registered midwife and to serve the families of this community.
I completed my midwifery education at the University of British Columbia. Throughout my educational journey I had the honour of serving several communities in BC including Victoria, Duncan, Kamloops and Abbotsford. I had the privilege to learn under wise midwives, obstetricians, nurses and other healthcare providers.
Prior to midwifery I completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology and minor in Indigenous studies. I look forward to incorporating the knowledge and skills that I have gained throughout my previous undergraduate and midwifery education to best serve the families at Access Midwifery.
As a Metis woman with a passion for client-centered care, I have a real interest in expanding midwifery services in Indigenous communities. Giving birth can be a powerful and life-changing experience for the birthing person, their family, and their community. I believe that the care and support provided by midwives is a significant step in ensuring the health and happiness of our society.