Meet The Team

Mahnaz Najafian, RM

Registered Midwife
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Mahnaz started exploring midwifery at a young age and knew it was the path for her after hearing the stories of women and birth from her Grandmother, a midwife. In her home country of Iran, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery degree from Shiraz University in 1989 and practiced for six years before immigrating to Canada.  During this time, Mahnaz was awarded the role of supervisor and managed the daily tasks of a hospital’s labour and delivery unit including 7 midwives.  She became licensed to practice in Ontario in 2007 and worked with the rural practice in Leamington, Midwifery Collective of Essex County.  Given her experience, Mahnaz was a natural fit for Midwives of East Erie which she joined in January 2010.  She is able to offer care in English and Persian, and feels a special bond to other immigrant women who are facing the challenges of living in a new culture.

Susan Meyer, RM

Registered Midwife
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As an expert with 18 years experience in home and hospital birth, Susan joined the Midwives of East Erie in 2014 as a locum (filling in when the other midwives were away). We are thrilled she joined the team full time soon after. Her career began in 1998 after she graduated from Ryerson University’s Midwifery Education Program, but her love of empowering women and families through birth began with her own experiences as a mother. Susan’s four beautiful children were all born at home before legislation. As an advocate for choice of birthplace Susan was Coordinator of the Home Birth Workgroup of Ontario and Co-Coordinator for Midwifery Task Force of Ontario (1987-1989). These groups were established to lobby for and promote legislation of midwifery in Ontario. Her resume also includes 9 years at the Community of Midwives of Toronto and 1 year at Seventh Generation Midwives of Toronto and 5 years of various locum travels around the province. Susan enjoys the peaceful setting of Norfolk and Haldimand counties, and spends her spare time at the family cottage, refinishing antique furniture, and reading.

Monica McPherson, RM 

Registered Midwife
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Monica has graduated, with honours, from the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery at McMaster University in 2017. She has strong Acadian roots, born and raised in Saint John NB. Midwifery seems to be in her DNA as her great grandmother was a midwife in the north shore of NB.
 
Monica’s love for Midwifery has been shaped throughout the years. Because of her passion for women’s issues, she has worked in the field of social services for many years advocating and empowering women. Then after having children she went back to school at which time she developed a deep appreciation for science. Her passion for women's issues and science collided and the calling to Midwifery was birthed. She has not looked back since and continues to be thankful and honored to be with women in the profession of Midwifery.
 
Monica is married and the proud mom of 5 children. She feels privileged to work alongside such talented Midwives at Midwives of East Erie. Together serving families in the community that she is raising her own family in, Haldimand/Norfolk County, and has called home for over 15 years.

Juanita Peters RM, NR

​Registered Midwife, New Registrant

My journey to becoming a midwife began many years ago with the births of my own children. I then realized that the experiences of a woman at this time could have a profound impact on how she feels as a person and a mother. Supporting women and their families became my passion.

For over 10 years I co-owned a small business centered on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding where I worked as a childbirth educator and doula. I have also had the privilege of serving at risk youth in Hamilton through prenatal support classes and mentoring at The Living Rock.

​From there I began my education to become a Registered Midwife at McMaster University. It is my honour and privilege to serve you through this incredible journey of pregnancy, birth and parenting!

Carol Harry

Administrator
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As Clinic Coordinator, Carol is the bones, heart and soul of the Midwives of East Erie (MEE). Her previous office roles, holistic approach to life, and caring attitude made her the ideal candidate for MEE. During her spare time, Carol enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband, children and beloved grandchildren.

Michelle Bertrand

Second Attendant
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Michelle attended her first birth at the age of 15 and has been fascinated with pregnancy and labour since. Growing up in Fairbanks Alaska she often shadowed her best-friend’s mother, a traditional midwife and experienced firsthand how beautifully calm and empowering birth could be. She became a certified Doula in 2004, maintained her Health Care Provider CPR and completed the Neonatal Resuscitation Program through McMaster University. Most recently, Michelle has graduated from Mohawk College, with a Practical Registered Nurse degree. At home, Michelle is the proud mother of 4 amazing children and wife to her wonderful husband. 

Chantal Gowing

Second Attendant
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Hi, my name is Chantal Gowing, I am a mother of four children three of which were delivered by the Midwives of East Erie from the comfort of home. Through the journey of becoming a mother, I realized my passion for the entire birth experience. I decided to become a labour doula and have been practicing since 2015. Recently I was hired as a second attendant with the Midwives of East Erie and I am extremely excited to be a part of this wonderful team.
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Shauna Guthrie

Second Attendant
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I have been living in Simcoe for the past 15 years. I have been married to my best friend Nathan for the past 8 years and together we have 3 beautiful children ages 5, 3 and 1! 

​I am a nurse at Norfolk General Hospital and became passionate about birth and women empowerment during my pregnancy with my first baby 6 years ago! I am overwhelmed with the power and strength that comes from women during this transitional time in their lives and it encourages me to see women from all walks of life being new life earth side! 

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Frankie Guthrie

​Second Attendant

Since a teenager Frankie has always been interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. After graduating from York University with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing she has worked in a variety of different settings from palliative to home care as a registered nurse. 

After having her first baby at home under the care of the Midwives of East Erie, she became passionate about home births and has since joined the team as a second attendant. 

At home Frankie is the proud mother to one cute little girl and wife to her very supportive husband.