Hi, my name is Xanthe (pronounced Zan-tha), and I’m thrilled to be working here at Strathcona Midwifery. Coming to this profession has been like coming home – being with pregnant and birthing people, walking with them and supporting this transformational phase of their lives means everything to me.

Originally from Ottawa, traditional, unceded Algonquin Anishnabek territory, I’ve moved back and forth across the country several times over the years. I also moved through several lifetimes of employment!

A decade working in live theatre, a decade teaching yoga, dealing in stretchy pants and working as a doula… My next path came clear while I was living in London, Ontario, when my son was born at only 27 weeks gestation. Through the thorough and compassionate care I received from my midwives in the face of this alarming early birth and a long NICU stay, I came to understand the importance of truly attentive prenatal and postnatal care. Later, my daughter was born at BC Women’s Hospital the day before I was accepted into midwifery school, which seemed a good omen. While training at UBC, I was honoured to spend time at various clinics across the lower mainland, with the midwifery team at Seabird Island First Nation Health Centre near Agassiz and most recently at Pomegranate Community Midwives.

In between all this, I’ve continued to take my now 5- & 8-year-old kiddos on overambitious camping trips. I garden by instinct, engage in massive canning projects and then struggle to give away the excess jars. I’m active in the recovery community, get excited about audiobooks and continue my lifelong yoga practice from home these days. I’m so happy to be here, and I’m so excited to meet you.