Our Midwifery Team & Admin
Uptown Midwives and Family Wellness is a collective of like-minded individuals focused on improving perinatal care in an interdisciplinary, holistic model. All of our midwives are registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario and maintain current certifications in CPR, NRP and Emergency Skills.
Our fabulous admin team keeps the clinic running smoothly, juggling calls, faxes and e-mails while booking appointments and referrals for all of our midwives, all with a welcoming smile.
AYNSLEY DONOHUE, RM
Aynsley Donohue was born and raised in North Toronto and has been a practicing midwife since 2006. She is proud to be a founding member of Uptown Midwives and Family Wellness, located blocks from her childhood home.
Aynsley completed an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph before graduating from McMaster’s Midwifery Education Program. Aynsley also holds a Masters degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University, where she focused how perception of risk impacts healthcare in both practice and policy.
Aynsley is a compassionate clinician and advocate for increased access to evidenced based, patient-centred midwifery care for all parents and babies. She is also a mom to four adorable kids and wife to an extraordinarily patient man.
CHRISTI JOHNSTON, RM (on leave)
Christi Johnston was born and raised in Toronto. Following an undergrad in Anthropology she worked as an educator in corporate and community organizations and completed a Masters degree in Adult Education and Community Development.
After the birth of her children (with midwives!), and with her love of teaching, women’s health and birth, Christi was inspired to become a midwife. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery in 2006.
Having worked in a number of Toronto midwifery practices, Christi is excited to be a founding partner of Uptown Midwives & Family Wellness with her colleagues.
In her personal life, Christi is the mother of a boy and a girl, and enjoys cooking, reading, yoga and travelling.
GEMMA GREENBERG, RM
Gemma Greenberg was born and raised in London, England, where midwives are the lead healthcare professionals and care for women throughout pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. Immersed in this particular structure, Gemma was exposed to Midwifery at an early age and developed a strong admiration for midwives and the individualized care they provide.
Gemma began her midwifery studies in England and moved to Canada after completing her Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences Hons. Midwifery in 2012.
Gemma is mother to four wonderful sons who were brought into this world with the help of midwives. She credits the special care and support provided by her midwives for an entirely positive childbearing experience. As a midwife, she actively works to recreate that environment for her clients.
Gemma is thrilled to be a founding member of Uptown Midwives & Family Wellness and can’t wait to see the amazing outcomes born of this endeavour.
RIVKY MELDUNG, RM
Rivky Meldung was born and raised in London, England. Rivky worked for three years as a midwife in the UK after graduating with a BSc in Midwifery, Hons. in 2003. After immigrating to Canada, Rivky completed the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program and has been working as a midwife in Toronto since 2009.
Rivky loves the opportunity midwives have to form meaningful relationships with families throughout the childbearing years. She also believes that the midwifery model of care plays a large role in securing empowering birth experiences. She is excited to be launching Uptown Midwives and Family Wellness with her fellow midwife partners.
In her personal life, Rivky enjoys spending time with her six children, baking, reading and walking.
CARLA SORBARA, RM
Carla has worked as a registered midwife since 2006 at North York General Hospital. Before completing the Midwifery Education Program (MEP) at Ryerson University, Carla obtained an undergraduate degree in medical anthropology at McGill University. In 2014, Carla completed a Masters in Public Policy at UofT’s School for Public Policy and Governance, and is currently a PhD candidate at UofT focusing on caesarean section prevention.
Carla is member of the Provincial Council for Maternal Child Health and an adjunct professor in the MEP at Ryerson University.
When Carla is not studying or delivering babies, she is usually travelling, doing yoga or cooking gourmet meals. Carla is excited to be a founding member of the Uptown Midwives & Family Wellness.
MARISSA TOMBS, RM
Marissa Tombs was born into the hands of a midwife working in a collaborative team of midwives and obstetricians in the United States. She was raised in rural Quebec and came to midwifery after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University in Montreal.
After learning about the amazing support that midwives offer their clients, Marissa decided that she wanted to become a midwife herself. She graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022.
Marissa strives to create an environment where mental health is prioritized and care is sensitive to the needs of the client. She loves to be with people in labour and be present as their process unfolds.
In her spare time, Marissa loves to be immersed in nature or a good tv drama, eat delicious food and pursue creative projects!
JANAYA LETKEMAN, RM
Janaya was born and raised in southern Manitoba. Before becoming a midwife, Janaya completed an undergraduate degree in philosophy and theology, and worked for many years in non-governmental organizations with a focus on social justice both at home, in Winnipeg, and on a global level.
Both of Janaya’s children were born into the skilled hands of midwives, an experience which solidified her belief that well-being encompasses much more than than one's physical state of health.
Janaya is passionate about interprofessional health care and has participated in and co-authored midwifery-led clinical research. She is eager to continue to integrate this level of research and scholarship throughout her midwifery practice.
In addition to midwifery, she enjoys spending time with her two children and partner, yoga, cycling, reading, painting, and traveling.
ILDIKO KASZAS, RM
Ildiko was born in Budapest, Hungary, and raised in the United States and Canada. As an immigrant herself, Ildiko is passionate about improving access to high-quality, evidence-based perinatal care to all newcomers and refugees - regardless of status or where they came from.
Prior to graduating from Ryerson's Midwifery Program, Ildiko worked for many years in science writing and documentary film for Discovery Channel and CBC - Radio Canada. She brings that storytelling experience to Midwifery by expanding its reach so that all families can make fully informed decisions around their options for care.
Ildiko is thrilled to be part of a team of committed, compassionate midwives and is pleased to offer her services in English, French and Hungarian. When she's not midwifing, Ildiko is likely playing Lego with her kids!
KAMARA UKACHUKWU, RM
Kamara was raised in the Kitchener area by 2nd generation Dutch immigrants. She has lived in Toronto for the past 15 years where she has been busy working, studying and parenting 3 amazing young humans.
Before becoming a Midwife, Kamara worked in the Social Services field as a Counsellor at a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and in group homes for youth experiencing various challenges.
Kamara's fascination with pregnancy and childbirth dates back to her childhood. It was during her own pregnancy with her first child that she discovered the transformative and empowering nature of midwifery care. Her personal experiences, combined with her background in supporting individuals during vulnerable periods, served as the catalyst for her decision to pursue midwifery. She holds a strong commitment to promoting equity in healthcare and improving perinatal mental health.
SONIA SANICHAR MICHAEL, RM
Sonia was born in Toronto to first generation Indo-Guyanese parents. Seeing the challenges of raising a family in a new country, Sonia came to midwifery hoping to help bridge the gap between reproductive healthcare and the community support families need. She has a strong passion for supporting first time parents and those who are new to Canada, with a desire to honour her clients’ traditional birth practices and ways of knowing.
Before completing the Midwifery Education Program, Sonia obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Anthropology from the University of Toronto.
Sonia currently lives in Toronto with her husband and two cats. In her free time, Sonia is an amateur bird-watcher, video game enthusiast, and sci-fi film fan.
TERESA CHENG, RM
Teresa Cheng was born in Taipei, Taiwan. She grew up in Taiwan and Vancouver.
Teresa’s midwifery practice is rooted in her commitment to providing clients with accurate and comprehensive information so they are able to feel confident in their pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Prior to midwifery, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies at Trent University, Bachelor of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Master of Arts inWomen and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto. Before midwifery school, Teresa worked as a college sociology instructor and sexual health counsellor.
In her spare time, Teresa enjoys playing board games, checking out restaurants across the
GTA, working out, and traveling. Teresa is fluent in Mandarin.
您好！我是Teresa，來自台灣。本人在加拿大就讀助產師學位，也在加拿大住了將近20年。為華人提供孕產服務給我帶來一種特殊的喜樂。歡迎來找我為您提供產前，分娩，生產，和產後六週的服務。很期待與您見面！
CODIE TREDWAY, RM
Codie was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area. Her interests in physiology and health sciences were first sparked in 2003 when she began her Bachelor of Science degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Before discovering Midwifery, Codie pursued other passions. She earned a certificate in Landscape Design from University of Guelph and travelled extensively. She Taught English in China and South Korea and volunteered at a Centre for homeless youth in Ghana.
Upon discovering Midwifery, Codie knew she had found a career to be passionate about and entered the program at McMaster University. Providing accessible, and individualized care based on informed choice motivates Codie in her daily work.
The important role of Midwifery was solidified in Codie’s mind with the safe and peaceful arrival of her two daughters and one son, each at home and into the arms of Midwives. Codie is thrilled to be part of the incredible team at Uptown Midwives and to serve this wonderful community.
CHANTELLE VIOLO, RM
Chantelle graduated with distinction from McMaster University’s Midwifery Education Program; a culmination of her deep-rooted passion ignited by her personal journey of motherhood. Raising her three children, all born into the hands of midwives, illuminated her path towards midwifery, where she found a profound calling to support and guide others throughout the transformative experience of childbirth.
Before embarking on midwifery, Chantelle earned a Bachelor of Arts from York University and honed her skills in Human Resources.
Chantelle treasures moments spent with her family, paddle boarding, kayaking and boating.
Chantelle is a passionate advocate for health equity patient-centred care, and ensures that every client receives personalized attention, respect, and support that goes beyond medical expertise. She is excited to support the miracle of childbirth with warmth, understanding and unparalleled dedication.
TERI STEEVES, ADMIN
Teri is Uptown’s lead administrator. When Uptown opened its doors, Teri moved with us after spending 10 years in as our administrator at our North site.
Teri is the mother to two incredible daughters. Her second daughter was born into the hands of midwives and although a true advocate for the profession before that, Teri then felt the connection that so many of our clients feel to their team of midwives. Her passion for midwifery and making it accessible only grew after that.
Teri understands the ins and outs of midwifery and the complexities of the health care system. She balances those nuances with her firsthand understanding of what it is like to be a midwifery consumer. Teri appreciates the juggling act of our midwives’ schedules with those of our clients. She strives to always be receptive and approachable.
Whether you are newly pregnant and looking for a midwife, a returning client, or a current client looking for information, Teri welcomes hearing from you.
LIZA CIAMPINI, ADMIN
Liza was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area. Prior to joining Uptown Midwives, she worked as a freelance makeup artist while hosting focus groups for a market research firm.
Liza first learned of midwifery care from a close family member, and has since been fascinated and affected by this important work.
Liza developed her passion for writing and communication as an English major at the University of Toronto. She is always striving to be responsive and warm, and is dedicated to providing exceptional administrative support for our incredible midwives and Uptown families.
Liza lives in Toronto with her partner and two cats. You can usually find her in the kitchen, at the gym, on the beach, or in the forest.
