meet the midwives

our team

carlie sanford

RM, IBCLC | Team Cedar

It is my pleasure to be joining the team at qathet Midwifery as of January 2024. I look forward to serving the families of this beautiful community, and to be living and working on the traditional lands of the Tla'amin people.

I grew up on the Sunshine Coast myself, and am overjoyed to return home and to a more quiet/rural area to raise my own family.

I am both a Midwife and Lactation Consultant, and have been working in the lower mainland for the past five years gaining experience and serving a large variety of families from diverse backgrounds. Prior to that, I spent time in various small communities such as Salt Spring Island, Seabird Island, and Sechelt.

Working with families during the transformation of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum is my great privilege and passion, and I look forward to joining you on your journey!

aly jones

RM | Team Cedar

I am a settler of Danish and English ancestry, born and raised in Naramata, BC, on the unceded territory of the Syilx people. I grew up in a small rural community on an orchard, and I think that early experience shaped my love of rural life and the importance of community.

I first found my way into birth work in 1999, when I was pregnant with my son. I started working as a doula and teaching childbirth classes, and I was struck by the strength of women as they moved through pregnancy, birth, and into parenthood. I eventually went on to study midwifery and graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery in 2009.

I feel very lucky to have spent my career alongside people during such an important time in their lives. I care a lot about making sure people feel listened to, respected, and supported to make their own decisions. Informed choice and autonomy are central to the way I practice, and I strive to provide welcoming and respectful care to everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, culture, religion, or socioeconomic circumstances.

My wife, daughter, and I moved to the qathet region in 2024. Having grown up rurally, I had been looking for a place where we could put down roots and become part of a small community, and qathet has felt like a wonderful fit.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me outside. I love swimming in the ocean year-round, and I play the fiddle. I’m really happy to be putting down roots here and to be part of the qathet community.

mandy verghese

RM | Team Huckleberry

It is my deepest honour to serve families as they grow, birth, and raise their babies.

I have lived and breathed birthwork since my teenage years when I attended my first birth as a doula fresh out of high school. I began my midwifery training in Scotland in 2012 and became licensed in BC in 2016. After working for many years in the Lower Mainland, we made the best decision to move to Powell River in 2022. In addition to midwifery, I am also a womb continuum practitioner.

Outside of midwifery I teach manual therapy, craft herbal medicines, and travel with my husband and two children.

eline vonk

RM | Team Huckleberry

maternity leave until Dec 2026

I am thrilled to have found and joined qathet Midwifery Care in 2021 and I am grateful to live and work on the traditional lands of the Tla'amin people.

I am originally a Dutch midwife and graduated in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Midwifery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Looking back, I am in awe that I could work and learn from such an established and ancient birthing culture. Coming to Canada in 2018, I studied Public Health and behavioural change with the University of Maastricht until I enrolled in the UBC Internationally Educated Midwifery Bridging Program. My last two years before moving up to The Sunshine Coast have been with a busy and vibrant practice in Vancouver. I have a natural interest in diversity and culture and I am privileged that this brought me to work as well in Uganda, the Caribbean and India.

I feel incredibly committed to be working with families and I value providing care that feels informed, connected and empowering.

When I am not working, you can find me on my sailboat, doing pottery and going for long walks in nature.

elisha Manson

RM | locum | Team Huckleberry

I am grateful for the invitation to join your qathet Midwifery Care Team!

After a long maternity leave – I am back, and looking forward to spending this next chapter with you.

In brief, my education consists of undergraduate degrees in Gender Studies and Midwifery, and a Masters’s in Health Administration, from UBC. However, it is from client’s and their families’ where I have learned how to be a midwife, striving - always – to provide person-centered care.

Beyond Midwifery, I am hoping to complete my red seal in Carpentry.

In the meantime, my two children and two piglets keep me busy!

kayley redgers

RM | locum

I came to midwifery through an interest in women’s health and equitable access to care. I have an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and Gender Studies, and was drawn to work that brought together health care, social justice, and relationships. In my midwifery practice, I care a lot about informed choice and supporting people to make the decisions that are right for them and their families.

Before moving to qathet, I worked as a midwife in other parts of BC and Nunavut and with the UBC Midwifery Program. I first came here on what was supposed to be a one-night work trip to meet with the midwives. We ended up staying for a week, camping by the ocean, and loved it. I later came back for a three-month locum, and that was enough to convince us to stay.

I live here with my partner, who is also a midwife, and our four-year-old daughter. Outside of midwifery, I love making things, taking on projects, cooking elaborate meals, and bringing people together. We have a small farm and run Solsken Folk School, where we host workshops based around food, craft, practical skills, and community.

gabby lamarche

3rd year student midwife Sept 2026 - May 2027

Hello! My name is Gabby, and I'm originally from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. I'm excited to join the midwifery team in Powell River for my placement. When I'm not in clinic, I love spending time outdoors. You'll often find me hiking, camping, or working in my garden.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community and for allowing me the space and time to learn and grow. I look forward to meeting you and being part of your journey during my time in Powell River.

charlotte danks

4th year student midwife Sept 2026 - May 2027

Hi everyone, my name is Charlotte and I’m thrilled to be joining the qathet midwives for my fourth year of midwifery school.

I grew up in qathet and it feels so special to get to return home to learn and support families in my home community during final year of school!

I came to midwifery with a passion for women’s health and reproductive rights.

I’m especially passionate about informed choice, supporting home birth, and ensuring every client feels heard, respected, and empowered to make decisions that are right for them.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me at the beach or at the thrift store!