Stephanie
Administrative DirectorStephanie brings over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse (BSN, RN) to her role as Office Administrator at The Birth Center. With a deep passion for supporting families and ensuring a high standard of care, Stephanie skillfully manages day-to-day operations while fostering a welcoming environment for patients and staff alike.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. When she’s not at the Birth Center, you can find her enjoying coffee, farming and building her homestead.
Amy Hill, CNM
Director of Midwifery & Certified Nurse MidwifeAmy is an experienced healthcare professional with a background in pediatric and neonatal care, having worked at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois in medical/surgical pediatrics and the neonatal step-down unit. Her career began in L&D nursing at The Baby Place in Pekin in 2009, where her passion for maternal and child health developed. Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kaplan University (2013) and a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University (2016), becoming a certified nurse midwife in 2016. She is an advocate for VBAC, physiologic birth, and improving birth outcomes by integrating midwives across various settings, including birth centers, hospitals, and home births.
Beyond direct patient care, Amy collaborates with local EMTs, fire departments, and hospitals to ensure safe care transfers and support the growth of birth centers in the community. She is passionate about health, nutrition, and mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond, as well as improving access to care for women of all ages. Outside of work, Amy enjoys spending time with her three children and supporting their activities, from wrestling meets to cheer competitions, while helping her oldest daughter pursue a nursing career and run her own aesthetics business.
Ashley Jones, CNM
Certified Nurse MidwifeAshley is a Certified Nurse Midwife with over 13 years of experience in women's health, including 8 years as a Labor and Delivery RN and 5 years as a CNM. She earned her Registered Nurse credentials from Illinois Central College in 2011, followed by her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University in 2019. She became AMCB-certified in 2019.
Passionate about empowering women, Ashley focuses on education and informed decision-making, helping women take charge of their bodies and pregnancies. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband, Brock, and their bustling household of four kids, including twin toddlers, and their Chocolate Lab, Scout. When she finds free time, Ashley loves to read, listen to podcasts, bake sourdough bread, stay active, and fuel her busy days with coffee!
Justine Simes, CNM
Certified Nurse MidwifeJustine's journey to becoming a midwife began with 10 years of experience in Cardiac Rehab and Wellness, where she developed a deep passion for supporting individuals on their health journeys. After transitioning to Labor and Delivery at BroMenn Medical Center, she became a registered nurse and obtained a breastfeeding certification to better serve her patients.
As Justine gained experience in labor and delivery, she realized that birth is not just about welcoming a new life, but also about empowering and transformative experiences for women. This led her to pursue an advanced degree in midwifery, where she found her calling to play a more active role in the decision-making partnership with women during pregnancy and birth.
Driven by her passion for physiologic, evidence-based care, Justine sought a birth environment that supports families in a deeper, more meaningful way. When she found the Birth Center, she knew she had found her home—an environment where she could provide intimate, empowering care that honors each woman’s autonomy, safety, and respect.
Justine feels privileged to work alongside the Birth Center staff, who share her values of supporting women and families through education, empowerment, and compassionate care. She is humbled to be part of the partnership between women and their providers, supporting them through all phases of life.
Cassi Fife, CNM
Certified Nurse MidwifeCassi has always had a passion for helping others, especially when it comes to supporting and advocating for families during one of life’s most significant moments—childbirth. Serving as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), her favorite part of the job is educating and building meaningful relationships with patients as they transition into parenthood, whether for the first time or once again. "I have always been interested in birth," Cassi shares. "When I was little, I dreamed of becoming either a nurse or an obstetrician. With midwifery, I feel like I got the best of both!"
Cassi’s professional journey began with six years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), caring for developmentally disabled adults. She went on to become a Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse (RN), a role she thrived in for 10 years before achieving her dream of becoming a CNM, a role she has held for 2.5 years. Cassi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Methodist College of Nursing (2012) and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of the Cincinnati (2022), becoming a certified nurse midwife in 2022. Dedicated to sharing her knowledge, she has been teaching childbirth education for over 11 years.
Cassi has been a part of the birth center team for over eight years. Beyond her impactful work at the birth center, she has contributed her skills to two medical mission trips to Honduras and Guatemala. She also actively volunteers with Foster Village in Peoria, supporting families and children in need and is an Evidence Based Birth (EBB) Childbirth Educator.
Outside of her professional life, Cassi treasures time with her family, which includes her husband Miles, and their two children who are 9 and 7, their dog Charlie, and a tortoise named Turbo. She’s an avid reader, hiker, and traveler who enjoys creating new memories with friends and family.
Jenni Collins, CNM
Certified Nurse MidwifeJenni is an experienced and compassionate healthcare professional dedicated to supporting women and families in their birth journeys. With over 11 years as a labor and delivery nurse and 6 years as a home birth nurse assistant, her passion for providing exceptional, respectful care led her to become a certified nurse midwife in 2018. Since earning her master’s degree from Frontier Nursing University, Jenni has served as an out-of-hospital midwife, committed to offering personalized care throughout central Illinois.
Her qualifications include certifications in NRP, CPR, Spinning Babies, and Breech Without Borders, equipping her with the skills to provide safe, supportive, and knowledgeable care. Jenni is driven by a deep passion for listening to women, building strong relationships, and empowering them with healthcare options tailored to their needs.
Outside of her work, Jenni enjoys life on a quiet country property with her husband and their six active kids. She treasures family time, loves to read, and continually seeks ways to grow as a wife, mother, and midwife.
Machayla Ziemer, CNM
Certified Nurse MidwifeMachayla has always known her calling was in women’s health. With a passion for supporting women through the powerful transitions of pregnancy and birth, she is committed to providing holistic, evidence-based care that honors the body’s innate wisdom.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing, and spent five years as a Labor and Delivery nurse at Carle BroMenn Medical Center. During those years, she developed a deep appreciation for physiologic birth and the importance of empowering families through education, support, and advocacy.
Driven by her desire to walk more closely alongside women in their reproductive journeys, Machayla earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati. She believes in a model of care that centers around respect, autonomy, and shared decision-making, and is passionate about supporting women through natural birth.
Machayla was drawn to the Birth Center of Bloomington-Normal because of its unique ability to offer safe, intimate, and family-centered care. She is honored to join a team that shares her belief in birth as a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Outside of midwifery, Machayla loves being outdoors in the sunshine, relaxing at the pool, and spending time with her husband and young son. She is proud to serve the Bloomington-Normal community and feels privileged to walk beside families during such meaningful moments in their lives.
Trish Wierenga, FNP-BC, IBCLC, RLC, PMH-C
Family NP, Lactation ConsultantTrish Wierenga has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in central Illinois since 2011 and a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2021. She is one of only a few practitioners in Central Illinois that is also certified in Perinatal Mental Health.
Trish is a member and the current Chairperson of the International Affiliation of Tongue Tie Professionals (IATP), a member of the Central Illinois Breastfeeding Task Force (CIBTF), and a member of Postpartum Support International (PSI). She has spoken at conferences locally and internationally on the role of the IBCLC and in the assessment and management of feeding difficulties including tongue and lip tie issues in relation to breastfeeding challenges, airway, perinatal mental health, and other facets of wellness. She lives in central Illinois with her husband, Brian and has four children.
Sarah, RN
RN, Birth AssistantSarah brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as a nurse and birth assistant. With a professional background that spans Med Surg Oncology, Post-ICU, Urology/General Surgery, and Labor & Delivery/Postpartum care, Sarah has been dedicated to supporting families through every stage of their healthcare journeys since 2017.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from ISU (2013) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lewis University (2017). Beyond her professional expertise, Sarah is CPR and NRP certified and has been volunteering at the Pregnancy Resource Center since 2019, further demonstrating her commitment to maternal health and wellness.
Sarah loves empowering and encouraging women to overcome the challenges of labor and delivery and takes immense joy in educating and equipping new parents for their transition into parenthood.
When not at work, you can find Sarah spending quality time with her husband and her spunky daughters. She also enjoys being outdoors, indulging in a good latte, reading, and staying active with barre and cycle classes!
Jamie, RN
RN, Birth AssistantJamie is a dedicated nurse and birth assistant with a wealth of experience spanning nearly two decades. After earning her BSN from Bradley University, Jamie began her career with 1 year in Med Surg in Biloxi, MS, followed by an impressive 16 years in surgery. Her passion for maternal and child healthcare led her to work for 3 years in L&D at The Baby Place in Pekin and has been with the Birth Center since 2022.
Outside of her professional life, Jamie enjoys reading, working out, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and relaxing on beach vacations. She treasures time spent with her family—her husband of 21 years, Josh, and their two sons who are 16 and 19. Her favorite things to do include watching her boys play sports, cuddling with their dog Cash, or tending to their many chickens.
Amanda, RN, IBCLC
RN, Birth AssistantWith 19 years of experience in labor and delivery, Amanda has dedicated her career to supporting moms during one of the most significant moments of their lives. Her passion for nurturing families began when she landed her first role in L&D by chance, bypassing a surgical floor interview for an opportunity in obstetrics—a decision that has shaped her professional life.
Amanda holds an Associates Degree and is an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant. She is also CPR, ACLS, and NRP certified, ensuring her skills are always up-to-date. Amanda has worked in small and large hospital settings, including 14 years at Pekin Hospital, followed by roles at Methodist Hospital and began at the Birth Center in 2022.
For Amanda, the most rewarding aspect of her work is being part of such an important time in families' lives and having the honor of supporting her own friends and family when they welcome their little ones.
At home, Amanda is a proud mom to her four kids. She enjoys reading, attending musical theater performances, and spending quality time with her friends.
Callie, RN
RN, Birth AssistantCallie is a BSN-prepared RN with a passion for guiding families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence and clarity. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, where she studied from 2014 to 2018, and went on to spend five and a half years working in labor and delivery at MU Healthcare and Mercy Hospital Saint Louis. These years shaped her love for birth work and highlighted how transformative empowering education can be for growing families.
As a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist with active certifications in NRP and BLS, Callie brings evidence-based knowledge and a calm, grounded presence to every family she supports. Her heart is in walking alongside parents through each phase—helping them feel informed, supported, and truly seen during such a meaningful chapter of life.
Outside of the birth center, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her husband and their busy son.
Lauren, RN
RN, Birth AssistantLauren is a registered nurse with a strong background in maternal and newborn care, bringing over five years of nursing experience to her work. She earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Kentucky in 2020 and spent three years as a mother-baby nurse, where she developed a deep passion for supporting women and families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Her time in this role shaped her love for being present during such meaningful moments and for helping women feel supported and empowered throughout their birth experience.
She is currently continuing her education to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and their Bernedoodle, Derby.
Kayla
Certified Care TechnicianKayla is a Certified Patient Care Technician at the Birth Center. She has a past experience as a Doula Intern with Simply Sacred Doula Services in Columbia, MO which helped begin her path to becoming a passionate advocate for Black maternal and infant health. Kayla’s interest in birthwork began during her college years when she researched disparities in healthcare outcomes and discovered how midwifery care and birth center births could create meaningful change.
Her favorite part of her work at the Birth Center is forming connections with patients and supporting them through this special chapter of their lives. Kayla recently graduated in spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Health Science, with a minor in Public Health and a Certificate in Multicultural Studies, at the University of Missouri.
When she’s not working or studying, Kayla enjoys reading historical romance novels, watching reality TV, working out, and spending time with her dog, Zuko. She’s also the youngest of five siblings and a proud aunt to two nieces and two nephews.
Sheri
Front DeskSheri is a doula, wife, and mom with an unwavering heart for serving others. Nurturing families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey isn’t just work for her, it’s a calling. She is endlessly inspired by the strength, tenderness, and transformation that unfold in these sacred seasons, and she feels profoundly honored each time a family invites her to walk beside them.
Her approach to care is rooted in deep compassion, calm presence, and genuine connection. She believes every parent deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered, and with joy she offers steady hands and a loving heart through each step of their experience.
When she isn’t at the front desk or offering support in a birth space, you can usually find her wandering through small towns, taking road trips with her family, and soaking in the charm of little shops, quiet streets, and hidden gems.
Faith
Front DeskFaith brings six years of healthcare experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant, along with a deeply compassionate heart for serving others. In her role as receptionist, she is often the first smile families see and the steady presence that helps create a calm, welcoming environment at the birth center. Her professional background spans from long term care nursing facilities and critical care at the hospital. Outside of the birth center, Faith loves spending time outdoors with her two children—soaking up fresh air, sunshine, and the simple joys of being together.
Buffy
Billing SpecialistBuffy has been working in the medical billing field for over 20 years. In 2017 she landed at The Birth Center and knew this was where she was meant to be. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends being outdoors, shopping, and spoiling her pup.
Lauren
Outreach CoordinatorLauren has been passionate about supporting families through their birth journeys since 2017, beginning her career as a birth photographer and expanding her expertise as a doula in 2020. She is currently a student Certified Professional Midwife, pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery at the Midwives College of Utah, with an expected graduation in 2026.
With an educational background that includes an Associate of the Arts from IVCC and a Bachelor of the Arts in Fine Arts from Illinois State University, Lauren brings a unique creative perspective to her work. She is CPR and NRP certified and holds a StillBirthday Doula Certification, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate and skilled support. After serving families during birth as a doula, she loves connecting with families as they begin their journeys at the Birth Center.
When she isn’t working or studying, Lauren cherishes time with her husband, three kids, and their fur baby, Poppy. When she isn't doing homework, working, at births, taking photos, or spending time with her family she enjoys reading, crafting, and Starbucks.