Lauren Kitchener
My passion for midwifery care came from listening to stories of people who had given birth and felt that the experience was not the empowering one they had hoped for. I was in school studying acupuncture at the time and felt a calling to midwifery that I could not ignore. While completing my Midwifery Degree at Mount Royal University I was shown time and time again that I had made the right decision. It is truly an honor to be able to work in this profession and provide families with informed choice and options for their birth. I value our role in providing support and continuity of care throughout the entire pregnancy, from prenatal health through to the postpartum. I have a particular interest in infant feeding and supporting that component of your journey however that may look for you.
I grew up in Northern Ontario and completed my first degree in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. I danced contemporary and ballet, pursued a passion for scuba diving, skied and spent many years riding dressage with my family horses. After graduating from Western University, I moved to Vancouver Island where I studied Acupuncture. I am very grateful to have a basic understanding of Eastern Medicine philosophies, however I felt something was missing and decided to pursue my dream of becoming a midwife. I am passionate about continuing my education and advancing my knowledge and skills while practicing. I feel my background has helped me tremendously in this career and I look forward to helping you and your family safely incorporate complementary therapies into your pregnancy journey if this is of interest to you. I want to help ensure that your journey is focused on your values and goals and that you feel confident and supported in your decision-making.
Through my education at Mount Royal University I had the opportunity to have placements in Edmonton and Medicine Hat. I am very excited to be working with the wonderful team at Cardinal Community Midwives and to continue working in the Edmonton community. I look forward to working with you during this transformative chapter of your life!
pronouns: She/Her
Privileges: Lauren has privileges at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Misericordia Community Hospital and Sturgeon Community Hospital.
Brianne Luscombe
For me, midwifery is a journey of growth and transformation—supporting couples as they evolve into families and guiding individuals as they become parents. I am deeply passionate about informed choice and engaging in meaningful discussions with clients to explore their options. I believe that labor requires both strength and trust: trusting your body to know what it needs to do and having the strength to let go. Midwifery is about striking the right balance between empowering you to trust your body and knowing when to step in with support.
My journey into midwifery began with a career in massage therapy, specializing in prenatal and postpartum care. This experience naturally led me to become a doula and eventually pursue a Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery from Laurentian University in Ontario, graduating in 2019. I have worked in a Midwifery-Led Unit within a hospital, where I valued the collaborative relationships with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals. I thrive on teamwork and effective care environments that support both clients and providers.
As a mother of three busy girls with a husband who serves in the military, I understand the importance of family and resilience. My family and I cherish outdoor activities, including rock climbing, biking, and camping. I look forward to summers filled with hiking, beaches, running, and plenty of time with a good book.
I am passionate about midwifery, finding joy in learning about each person’s unique needs, educating about pregnancy, and listening to every fetal heartbeat. Witnessing the strength of individuals and couples as they transition into parenthood is truly inspiring to me.
Pronouns: She/Her
Privileges: Brianne has privileges at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital, Misericordia Community Hospital and Sturgeon Community Hospital.
Kawsar Yassin
I became intrigued with labour and birth after discovering the show “A Baby Story”, which happened to be on after school everyday (ages ago). My love for midwifery stemmed from there and grew the more I learned about the profession. I completed my midwifery education at the Toronto Metropolitan University (previously Ryerson). I am excited to be working with the North East Edmonton community – the traditional territories of Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishnaabe (Salteaux), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot). I had worked at midwifery clinics and hospitals all over the GTA and Peel regions. I believe in giving all people choice by providing them with information so that they can make informed decisions in their own healthcare. I am a strong advocate for culturally safe care, and strive to provide it to my clients alongside choice and dignified care.
I am a Somali-Canadian, born and raised in Toronto, Ontario – the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. I have a background in Psychology, and have experience in teaching and in business. I have a passion for entrepreneurship and justice – I find myself involved in projects that fall into those categories.
I also have a son and daughter who were under the care of midwives – who I had the best experience with! I hope to give the same experience to all my clients, so that we can strive to make your birth a *vibe*. Outside of midwifery, I love to travel and try new foods and beverages. I consider myself quite a foodie and enjoy cafe and restaurant hopping.
Pronouns: She/Her
Privileges: Kawsar has privileges at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital, and Sturgeon Community Hospital.