OUR MIDWIVES
Bekkie Vineberg
Registered Midwife
Bekkie is a graduate of the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University in Hamilton. Prior to midwifery, Bekkie completed a Kinesiology degree and got her certificate as an Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic). She has worked with a variety of populations including elite athletes, urban aboriginal youth, migrant farm workers, and HIV affected communities. Bekkie chose to pursue midwifery after completing a Master’s degree in International Public Health at the University of Alberta.
She continues to stay connected to her global health field work in countries like Zimbabwe and Guyana. Bekkie is deeply committed to the principles of equity and justice in sexual and reproductive health. She has worked at Kenora Midwives since 2013 and resides in Kenora with her husband Scott.
Kelly Graff
Registered Midwife
Kelly is a graduate of the IMPP Program at Ryerson University in Toronto for internationally trained midwives. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Women Studies at York University in 2004, she began her midwifery training at Birthwise Midwifery School in a small town in Maine (US). She was trained as a Direct-Entry Midwife, meaning that she was taught to facilitate birth in home and birth centre settings. She has worked as a student midwife in the United States, Australia, Dominican Republic, and the Philippines.
Kelly has worked at Kenora Midwives since 2010. In 2013, after being mentored by founder Wendy Peterson, she assumed ownership of the practice before partnering with Bekkie in 2015. Kelly has 8 years experience working on the AOM Board as the Northern Regional Representative along with being the Chair for the AOM Rural and Remote Committee. She is currently a member of the SOGC Choosing Wisely Committee and is an active NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) Instructor.
Kelly resides in Keewatin with her partner, two daughters, two dogs, one cat, one fish, and 12 chickens.
SECOND ATTENDANTS
Here are the lovely ladies you might have the chance to meet at your birth!
Marie Sherred
Second Attendant
Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Marie Sherred. I’m newly retired after 32+ years from Lake of the Woods District Hospital - with over 20 years as a Maternity Nurse!
I’m excited to be able to transfer into a slightly different role with the Midwives and I know my previous experience will help Bekkie, Kelly and all the clients as well. I look forward to meeting you at your birth and in the clinic as Administrative Assistant!
Mandy Morphet
Second Attendant
Mandy was born and raised in Kenora. She graduated from the Nursing program at Lakehead University in 1987. She spent nearly 20 years working on the Pediatric Ward at Lake of the Woods District Hospital. In 1995, she fell in love with the birth process while delivering her firstborn following a period of fertility issues. She completed the Confederation College Obstetrical Nursing course and became a member of the LWDH Maternity staff in 2006.
As a veteran nurse of 35 years, Mandy has dedicated much of her career to the care of women and children in Kenora and Fort Frances. She has had the pleasure of attending home births with Kenora Midwives for the last five years. In her off time you are likely to find her whipping up a batch of natural soaps or out hiking the trails with one of her four grown children, a couple of rescue pups, and a grandson or two.