Virginia Collins, CBE, RPNSW - Founder & Faculty
Virginia is an educator, author and passionate supporter of normalizing birth for all women. Her journey began in 1982 when she attended childbirth education classes in preparation for the birth of her first of her two sons. She knew right away that she had found her calling.
Her wealth of experiences included: clinical and administrative support in a multidisciplinary family practice, and a high-risk obstetrical practice, clinical research coordinator in women’s health, childbirth educator, curriculum developer, perinatal bereavement facilitator and birth attendant.
Through her activities and advocacy work in health care Virginia has developed workshops and trainings which promote, support and protect the sacred journey of pregnancy and birth, for all mothers and babies.
Virginia is an educator, author and passionate supporter of normalizing birth for all women. Her journey began in 1982 when she attended childbirth education classes in preparation for the birth of her first of her two sons. She knew right away that she had found her calling.
Her wealth of experiences included: clinical and administrative support in a multidisciplinary family practice, and a high-risk obstetrical practice, clinical research coordinator in women’s health, childbirth educator, curriculum developer, perinatal bereavement facilitator and birth attendant.
Through her activities and advocacy work in health care Virginia has developed workshops and trainings which promote, support and protect the sacred journey of pregnancy and birth, for all mothers and babies.
Debbie Fazio, NCS, RPNSW - Founder & Faculty
Debbie is a Parenting Coach and Founder of Precious Moments Babeez. She is an educator, Newborn Care Specialist, Happiest Baby Instructor and the only Board Certified Sleep Consultant in Canada. Her combined experience, trainings and certifications have enabled her to support families with a variety of baby related issues. Being a mother of 3 children, including a set of twins, has enabled Debbie to be compassionate, non-judgmental and knowledgeable in her role assisting parents. Debbie has supported many families (both with one baby and multiples) in Canada and across the nation with issues from newborn care and safety, feeding and sleep for baby as well as support the postpartum parent. She is committed to empowering parents with the tools to assist them in transitioning into parenthood with confidence and love so that they can fully enjoy the precious moments with their baby. Debbie has over 8000 hours working directly with babies and over 6000 of those hours is working with twins & triplets.
Debbie is a Parenting Coach and Founder of Precious Moments Babeez. She is an educator, Newborn Care Specialist, Happiest Baby Instructor and the only Board Certified Sleep Consultant in Canada. Her combined experience, trainings and certifications have enabled her to support families with a variety of baby related issues. Being a mother of 3 children, including a set of twins, has enabled Debbie to be compassionate, non-judgmental and knowledgeable in her role assisting parents. Debbie has supported many families (both with one baby and multiples) in Canada and across the nation with issues from newborn care and safety, feeding and sleep for baby as well as support the postpartum parent. She is committed to empowering parents with the tools to assist them in transitioning into parenthood with confidence and love so that they can fully enjoy the precious moments with their baby. Debbie has over 8000 hours working directly with babies and over 6000 of those hours is working with twins & triplets.
Caitlin Allen-Black, IBCLC - Faculty of Breastfeeding
Caitlin is a breastfeeding/ lactation expert. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Mohawk College Breastfeeding Program instructor, and runs a private lactation consulting business that supports mothers in their homes or at my privately run breastfeeding clinic.
She became passionate about breastfeeding after the birth of her first son. The arrival of her baby was not traditional as he was whisked away from her to the neonatal intensive care unit. While in NICU, her only responsibility as a mother was to nurse her baby. Her breastfeeding relationship continued to grow and she quickly discovered that she wanted to help other mothers enjoy the breastfeeding experience.
After 10 years as an elementary school teacher, she left her profession for her passion and joined the world of mums and babies.
Caitlin is a breastfeeding/ lactation expert. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Mohawk College Breastfeeding Program instructor, and runs a private lactation consulting business that supports mothers in their homes or at my privately run breastfeeding clinic.
She became passionate about breastfeeding after the birth of her first son. The arrival of her baby was not traditional as he was whisked away from her to the neonatal intensive care unit. While in NICU, her only responsibility as a mother was to nurse her baby. Her breastfeeding relationship continued to grow and she quickly discovered that she wanted to help other mothers enjoy the breastfeeding experience.
After 10 years as an elementary school teacher, she left her profession for her passion and joined the world of mums and babies.
Dr. Anna Thurairatnam - Faculty of Anatomy & Physiology
After several decades as a Clinician, Health Care Manager, and Reproductive Health Consultant, managing training projects for United Nations (UN) organizations and international NGOs, Anna finally found her mission in life! This realisation dawned on her after well-documented success as a training consultant and as faculty at a Canadian university and an international college in Toronto.
She is now reaping the rewards of engaging and learning with students. She has become a lifelong learner in order to inspire her students to do the same.
What she enjoys the most in life is watching the transformation her students are making right in front of her eyes. Her students are constantly elevating the bar; it is a truly amazing experience! There is not a dull moment in her classes, not even when the classes are online! There is nothing as rewarding as mentoring and helping people achieve their dreams and aspirations!
After several decades as a Clinician, Health Care Manager, and Reproductive Health Consultant, managing training projects for United Nations (UN) organizations and international NGOs, Anna finally found her mission in life! This realisation dawned on her after well-documented success as a training consultant and as faculty at a Canadian university and an international college in Toronto.
She is now reaping the rewards of engaging and learning with students. She has become a lifelong learner in order to inspire her students to do the same.
What she enjoys the most in life is watching the transformation her students are making right in front of her eyes. Her students are constantly elevating the bar; it is a truly amazing experience! There is not a dull moment in her classes, not even when the classes are online! There is nothing as rewarding as mentoring and helping people achieve their dreams and aspirations!
Julie-Anne Mauno, BSW, RPNSW - Faculty of Peripartum
Julie-Anne is a Registered Perinatal Support Worker and Registered Social Worker with 25 years of experience in the perinatal support field. She has worked alongside public health nurses, nutritionists, doctors and midwives to provide education, resources and specialized support to expecting parents during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. She has developed curriculum and facilitated prenatal and parent education classes for both private clients and public organizations including one of Montreal’s public health units. Julie-Anne developed the infant and pregnancy loss progressive healing group “Our Babies, Our Grief” with Home Hospice Association and is a facilitator of the OBOG program. Julie-Anne also mentors others who are eager to serve in the field of perinatal support. She is passionate about her work and continues to bring awareness to the importance and value of professional perinatal support for parents. She has 7 children of her own. She lives in Northern Ontario, where she runs a private perinatal support business, working with parents in surrounding rural communities.
Julie-Anne is a Registered Perinatal Support Worker and Registered Social Worker with 25 years of experience in the perinatal support field. She has worked alongside public health nurses, nutritionists, doctors and midwives to provide education, resources and specialized support to expecting parents during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. She has developed curriculum and facilitated prenatal and parent education classes for both private clients and public organizations including one of Montreal’s public health units. Julie-Anne developed the infant and pregnancy loss progressive healing group “Our Babies, Our Grief” with Home Hospice Association and is a facilitator of the OBOG program. Julie-Anne also mentors others who are eager to serve in the field of perinatal support. She is passionate about her work and continues to bring awareness to the importance and value of professional perinatal support for parents. She has 7 children of her own. She lives in Northern Ontario, where she runs a private perinatal support business, working with parents in surrounding rural communities.
Shawn Gallagher, BA, BCH - Faculty of Hypnosis for Birth and Mindfulness
Shawn is an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, a Board Certified Hypnotist, a HypnoFertility® practitioner, and a Childbirth Educator. She is the staff hypnotist at the ALIVE Holistic Health in Toronto.
Shawn created the ChildbirthJoy Prenatal Hypnosis series in 1999. She sees clients privately for a wide range of presenting issues including childbirth preparation, fertility issues, habit change, sleep issues, and more. Her approach includes a non-judgemental and flexible style that is especially helpful for those dealing with anxious feelings.
Shawn was a Registered Midwife (co-founder of Midwife Alliance, Toronto with hospital privileges at St. Joseph's Health Centre), Preceptor for the Midwifery Education Program in Ontario and an Association of Ontario Midwives Emergency Skills Examiner. She has attended hundreds of births as a Doula. Shawn was part of the small group of midwives who were the first to be integrated into Canadian healthcare when legislation was decreed in Ontario in 1994. As a pre-legislation midwife, she was the Treasurer of the Ontario Midwifery Consumer Network (OMCN) and interacted with parents, consumers and healthcare professionals to lobby the provincial government for legislative change. She started teaching prenatal classes in 1985 at the Midwives Collective of Toronto, later branching into private groups and then a combined prenatal hypnosis program.
Shawn is the mother of two, both born at home. She has a liberal arts B.A. from the University of Toronto and is a published author in the Bearing Witness: Childbirth Stories Told by Doulas series.
Shawn is passionate about providing excellence for the field of hypnosis preparation for birth. She has an extensive library in this field and has amassed considerable research that helps ensure that PNSW practitioners are familiar with the many prenatal hypnosis programs and are comfortable with supporting birthing parents who elect to use hypnosis.
Shawn is an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, a Board Certified Hypnotist, a HypnoFertility® practitioner, and a Childbirth Educator. She is the staff hypnotist at the ALIVE Holistic Health in Toronto.
Shawn created the ChildbirthJoy Prenatal Hypnosis series in 1999. She sees clients privately for a wide range of presenting issues including childbirth preparation, fertility issues, habit change, sleep issues, and more. Her approach includes a non-judgemental and flexible style that is especially helpful for those dealing with anxious feelings.
Shawn was a Registered Midwife (co-founder of Midwife Alliance, Toronto with hospital privileges at St. Joseph's Health Centre), Preceptor for the Midwifery Education Program in Ontario and an Association of Ontario Midwives Emergency Skills Examiner. She has attended hundreds of births as a Doula. Shawn was part of the small group of midwives who were the first to be integrated into Canadian healthcare when legislation was decreed in Ontario in 1994. As a pre-legislation midwife, she was the Treasurer of the Ontario Midwifery Consumer Network (OMCN) and interacted with parents, consumers and healthcare professionals to lobby the provincial government for legislative change. She started teaching prenatal classes in 1985 at the Midwives Collective of Toronto, later branching into private groups and then a combined prenatal hypnosis program.
Shawn is the mother of two, both born at home. She has a liberal arts B.A. from the University of Toronto and is a published author in the Bearing Witness: Childbirth Stories Told by Doulas series.
Shawn is passionate about providing excellence for the field of hypnosis preparation for birth. She has an extensive library in this field and has amassed considerable research that helps ensure that PNSW practitioners are familiar with the many prenatal hypnosis programs and are comfortable with supporting birthing parents who elect to use hypnosis.
Dr. Maude Perreault, RD, Phd - Faculty of Nutrition
Maude is a registered dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario since 2011. Clinically trained in dietetics at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine in Montréal, QC, she has a strong passion for supporting new families.
Following completion of a MSc in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, she is currently finishing her PhD in Medical Sciences, Division of Metabolism and Nutrition in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. Maude’s clinical and research interests include maternal and infant nutrition, with a focus on the developmental origins of health and disease. Her doctoral studies are supported by prestigious scholarships such as the CIHR Vanier doctoral award and a Career Enhancement Award from the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientists Program.
Her academic and research achievements have been recognized with awards such as the Joanne Schweitzer Clinical Nutrition Abstract award and the Nestlé Nutrition Student and Trainee oral competition finalist award from the Canadian Nutrition Society, as well as the Graduate Programs Excellence award and the Graduate Leadership award from the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.
Maude is the cofounder of Family & Co. Nutrition, an online and community-based service offering perinatal and pediatric nutrition coaching for parents. Her goal is that all new parents feel confident and competent raising happy eaters.
Maude is a registered dietitian with the College of Dietitians of Ontario since 2011. Clinically trained in dietetics at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine in Montréal, QC, she has a strong passion for supporting new families.
Following completion of a MSc in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, she is currently finishing her PhD in Medical Sciences, Division of Metabolism and Nutrition in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University. Maude’s clinical and research interests include maternal and infant nutrition, with a focus on the developmental origins of health and disease. Her doctoral studies are supported by prestigious scholarships such as the CIHR Vanier doctoral award and a Career Enhancement Award from the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientists Program.
Her academic and research achievements have been recognized with awards such as the Joanne Schweitzer Clinical Nutrition Abstract award and the Nestlé Nutrition Student and Trainee oral competition finalist award from the Canadian Nutrition Society, as well as the Graduate Programs Excellence award and the Graduate Leadership award from the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.
Maude is the cofounder of Family & Co. Nutrition, an online and community-based service offering perinatal and pediatric nutrition coaching for parents. Her goal is that all new parents feel confident and competent raising happy eaters.
Margaret Wallis-Duffy R.M.T. - Faculty of "Comforting Touch"
Passionate about her profession and the diversity that she has created within it, Margaret Wallis-Duffy also feels blessed to be surrounded by a compassionate and professional team at Wallis for Wellness.
As the founder of Wallis for Wellness, Margaret opened its doors in April of 1992 as a single practitioner facility. It quickly grew into the well-respected, integrative wellness clinic that it is today!
With a background in Kinesiology from The University of Waterloo and as an Internationally Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Margaret has completed research workshops at The Touch Research Institute at The University of Miami's Jackson Medical Center and at the Touch Research Centre in Montreal. She has also completed her certification with special needs babies. As a result of this expertise, Margaret has worked with professionals at both Mount Sinai and Sick Children’s Hospitals in Toronto.
She is always looking for ways to share her motto in life…”Attitudes are contagious…is yours worth catching?”
Passionate about her profession and the diversity that she has created within it, Margaret Wallis-Duffy also feels blessed to be surrounded by a compassionate and professional team at Wallis for Wellness.
As the founder of Wallis for Wellness, Margaret opened its doors in April of 1992 as a single practitioner facility. It quickly grew into the well-respected, integrative wellness clinic that it is today!
With a background in Kinesiology from The University of Waterloo and as an Internationally Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Margaret has completed research workshops at The Touch Research Institute at The University of Miami's Jackson Medical Center and at the Touch Research Centre in Montreal. She has also completed her certification with special needs babies. As a result of this expertise, Margaret has worked with professionals at both Mount Sinai and Sick Children’s Hospitals in Toronto.
She is always looking for ways to share her motto in life…”Attitudes are contagious…is yours worth catching?”
Brian Russell, M.S., RMFT
Faculty of Supporting Fathers/Partners
Brian is the Provincial Coordinator for Dad Central Ontario, which is devoted to promoting responsible father involvement in Ontario and has acted as a catalyst for other provinces and territories within Canada to form their own regional father initiatives. He is also a Marriage and Family Therapist in Toronto. He brings an important perspective to the couple relationship in families, where trust and respect are key elements to building strong families. He is married with three teenage daughters.
Faculty of Supporting Fathers/Partners
Brian is the Provincial Coordinator for Dad Central Ontario, which is devoted to promoting responsible father involvement in Ontario and has acted as a catalyst for other provinces and territories within Canada to form their own regional father initiatives. He is also a Marriage and Family Therapist in Toronto. He brings an important perspective to the couple relationship in families, where trust and respect are key elements to building strong families. He is married with three teenage daughters.
Emily Fazio, MSW Graduate - Faculty of Perinatal Mental Health
Emily Fazio is a Mental Health Counsellor and MSW graduate with a focus on perinatal mental health. She has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and perinatal challenges using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and DBT. Emily is passionate about creating inclusive, compassionate care and translating her knowledge and experience into meaningful learning for students.
Emily Fazio is a Mental Health Counsellor and MSW graduate with a focus on perinatal mental health. She has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and perinatal challenges using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and DBT. Emily is passionate about creating inclusive, compassionate care and translating her knowledge and experience into meaningful learning for students.
Terri Rout, CBE, RPNSW - Faculty of Waterbirth
Terri Rout brings unparalleled expertise and passion to teaching the Waterbirth Support component of the Perinatal Support Worker program offered by Global Perinatal Support Workers Inc. With formal training under Barbara Harper, a globally recognized leader in waterbirth education, Terri has established herself as a prominent advocate for safe and empowering waterbirth practices. She is the President and Founder of the Waterbirth Coalition of Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting evidence-based waterbirth practices and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and birthing centers across Canada.
Terri's dedication to advancing waterbirth practices is evident in her role at the Waterbirth Coalition of Canada, where she develops professional guidelines and advocates for the integration of waterbirth into healthcare systems. Her knowledge is rooted in years of hands-on experience and formal education in maternal and child health from Mohawk College. As an instructor for Global Perinatal Support Workers Inc., Terri combines her expertise with her passion for teaching to empower future Perinatal Support Workers with the skills needed to support families choosing waterbirth as a gentle and viable birthing option.
Terri Rout brings unparalleled expertise and passion to teaching the Waterbirth Support component of the Perinatal Support Worker program offered by Global Perinatal Support Workers Inc. With formal training under Barbara Harper, a globally recognized leader in waterbirth education, Terri has established herself as a prominent advocate for safe and empowering waterbirth practices. She is the President and Founder of the Waterbirth Coalition of Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting evidence-based waterbirth practices and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and birthing centers across Canada.
Terri's dedication to advancing waterbirth practices is evident in her role at the Waterbirth Coalition of Canada, where she develops professional guidelines and advocates for the integration of waterbirth into healthcare systems. Her knowledge is rooted in years of hands-on experience and formal education in maternal and child health from Mohawk College. As an instructor for Global Perinatal Support Workers Inc., Terri combines her expertise with her passion for teaching to empower future Perinatal Support Workers with the skills needed to support families choosing waterbirth as a gentle and viable birthing option.
Surrey Place - Faculty for Pregnancy and Parenting with IDD
Lisa Malcho has worked in the developmental sector for over 25 years, where she has worked with individuals with an IDD. Lisa has been at Surrey Place since 2016 as a Parent Therapist in the Adult Program. Lisa has a BA from Brock University and post graduate diploma in Communicative Disorders. Lisa has supported individuals with a dual diagnosis, and complex trauma in different community settings as an advocate and parent educator.
Lisa Malcho has worked in the developmental sector for over 25 years, where she has worked with individuals with an IDD. Lisa has been at Surrey Place since 2016 as a Parent Therapist in the Adult Program. Lisa has a BA from Brock University and post graduate diploma in Communicative Disorders. Lisa has supported individuals with a dual diagnosis, and complex trauma in different community settings as an advocate and parent educator.
Surrey Place - Faculty for Pregnancy and Parenting with IDD
Deborah Bluestein, M.A.- Deborah has an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Education. For the past 26 years, Deborah has been working as a Parenting Enhancement Program Therapist at Surrey Place Centre in the Parenting Enhancement Program (PEP). She works with Parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), providing support and education around parenting skills. Recently, the PEP program received a 3-year grant from United Way. Deborah has taken on a grant management role and is currently developing prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood curriculum for parents with an IDD. Deborah is also a part-time professor at Seneca College in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training.
Deborah Bluestein, M.A.- Deborah has an undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and Education. For the past 26 years, Deborah has been working as a Parenting Enhancement Program Therapist at Surrey Place Centre in the Parenting Enhancement Program (PEP). She works with Parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), providing support and education around parenting skills. Recently, the PEP program received a 3-year grant from United Way. Deborah has taken on a grant management role and is currently developing prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood curriculum for parents with an IDD. Deborah is also a part-time professor at Seneca College in the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training.