all about bb&b

Melissa is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to unraveling the

intricate relationship between nutrition and human health. Graduating with distinction from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in Neuroscience, she quickly discerned

her passion for understanding the profound impact of nutrition on both physical and mental well-being.

Melissa is an advocate for family and a patient-centered care and evidence-based nutrition interventions, striving to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices for optimal health outcomes. 

Many parents have anxiety about feeding their baby regardless of which method they choose. Jasmine can answer your questions, calm your worries and help you and your baby get the best start by achieving your feeding goals. Appointments available in the clinic and also at your home. 

If you require an urgent appointment, please email Jasmine at info@mommyknowsbreast.ca or call 403-879-8747.

Services:

• prenatal consultations
• antenatal colostrum collection
• postpartum consultations
• pump support and flange fitting
• bottle and supplemental feeding support 
• breastfeeding weaning and cessation

Jasmine has 15 years of experience in infant and maternal health and is a Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. 

Your health insurance plan may cover consultation fees.

Julie (She/Her) is a registered Social Worker and Expressive Arts Therapist. She has been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 13 years in the Calgary area.  Julie has had the privilege of working within many community programs with diverse client backgrounds. 

In 2011, Julie went back to school to complete her master's degree in clinical social work. During the master's practicum, she worked in a generalist role providing counselling to children, youth, adults, couples and families. It was within this role, Julie started her training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

After completing her schooling, Julie began working for Alberta Health Services with a transitional program for adults struggling with addictions and mental health, often facing homelessness. Through the years working within this program, Julie further developed her professional identity, but also went through a personal life transition of becoming a mother. 

During her second maternity leave, Julie decided to revisit a prior interest in Expressive Arts Therapy and completed her level 1 & 2 certificates through the Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy. It was at this time Julie decided to return to work with the population she is the most passionate about- children, youth, and families, by opening her own private practice.  

Originally from the small town of Laird, Saskatchewan, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology at Minot State University. 

Our speech & language pathologist has witnessed the tremendous impact it can have on individuals in various ways. Having been a client of a speech-language pathologist (SLP) herself when she was younger, Breanna fondly remembers the fun she had during therapy sessions. However, she also recalls the frustration she experienced when she couldn't effectively express herself. 

Breanna creates a safe and enjoyable environment and works with toddlers, children, and adults.

She offers assessment and intervention for all ages. Breanna is approved to provide FSCD and CAP funding.

In the early 1990s, Shannon had the honor of standing at the heart of Calgary’s grassroots movement that would blossom into Birth Unlimited. At its core was a vision: to champion publicly funded midwifery care and ensure that every family in Alberta, regardless of circumstance, could access compassionate, skilled midwifery care.

It is said that though time may gently fade many memories, a woman will forever hold close the way she was cared for in the sacred hours of birth. Shannon’s wish is to walk beside her clients as they awaken to the power and deep wisdom within—a knowing that will carry them with strength and grace through all the seasons of their lives.

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.

Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Child Studies from Mount Royal University in 2021 and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Queen’s University in August 2024. 

Her practice is guided by the belief that meaningful occupation plays a vital role in overall well-being. She is dedicated to empowering individuals by recognizing their unique strengths and fostering a holistic, client-centered approach. By building strong rapport, Erin strives to create a safe and welcoming space for all clients.

Outside of her professional work, Erin enjoys staying active through exercising, skiing, and hiking. She also loves reading, watching movies, and spending time with family, friends, and her pets.

Motivated and passionate about occupational therapy, Erin looks forward to supporting individuals in achieving their goals and fully engaging in meaningful activities. 

Megan Lalonde, MSc, RM (inactive) obtained registration in Saskatchewan in 2013. She returned to Alberta in 2015 and has worked in both Edmonton and Calgary as a community and in-house hospital midwife since then. She obtained her Master of Science in Midwifery from the University of Central Lancashire in 2017. 

She is a neonatal resuscitation program instructor, emergency skills workshop instructor and fetal health surveillance program instructor. Since 2017, she has held a faculty position at Mount Royal University. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family.  

As a twelve-year old looking through healthcare magazines Jenny discovered her passion for helping women at various stages of their life.

Jenny's practice of midwifery integrates discussions about how our body’s physiology, our intuition, and evidence-based maternity care influences pregnancy, labour and birth. She hopes to encourage confidence in her clients (and partners), about the body’s ability to build, birth, and nurture a baby as they navigate pregnancy and childbirth.

Jenny co-facilitates new parenting groups in the community and coordinates group care & parent sessions for the bb&b clients.

She completed my Bachelor of Science (Health Science, 2013) at Mount Royal University (MRU) and has a Bachelor of Midwifery and a Minor in Women & Gender Studies (MRU 2021). 

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.

*On leave until July 2026*

For as long as Bailey can remember she has wanted to work alongside and support birthing people in some capacity. Bailey attended the University of Calgary and graduated with a science degree in 2018 with the primary focus being on biology and chemistry. She began her Midwifery Degree shortly after completing her science degree.

Inclusion, bodily autonomy, evidence-based care, informed choice, and consent are at the forefront of Bailey's approach to midwifery. She also recognizes the privilege that encompasses an invitation into a birth space, and she feels profound gratitude to be able to develop collaborative and trusting relationships throughout each individual parenting journey.

Thank you for including me in your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. I look forward to getting to know and share so many incredible experiences with the birthing people and families.

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.

Bhanupriya " Priya" Pathak is a dedicated physiotherapist at Calgary Youth Physiotherapy since 2018, where she brings her passion for working with pediatric clients to every session. 

With a warm and empathetic approach, Bhanupriya is committed to helping children reach their fullest potential through goal-based therapy and active parent education.

She has pursued extensive training to support her clinical expertise, including certifications in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Sensory Integration, pediatric K-taping, and Dry Needling. Most recently, she completed Pelvic Floor Level 1 training for both adults and pediatrics, expanding her ability to support clients, especially children with complex and sensitive needs.

Outside of the clinic, Bhanupriya enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking with her family. Her holistic and personalized care approach reflects her belief in empowering both children and their families through every step of the therapeutic journey.

Shawna is a Registered Acupuncturist (RAc) from The Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM) in Calgary (2024). In the fall of 2020, she began the 4 year Double Major Plus program for Massage, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is also a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

Shawna also has a BSc. In Nutrition and Food Sciences, completed her Yoga Instructor Certification (RYT 200HR) in 2015 and has taken extensive Yin Yoga Training courses in Calgary.

Shawna completed her Acupuncture and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Program in 2024.

*On Leave until July 2026*

Prior to pursuing midwifery Savannah studied and worked as a kinesiologist in the Okanagan, where she was continually amazed by the design and capability of our bodies. Her passion for midwifery was ignited when she joined a research project promoting reproductive health in rural Ghana. The relationships and experiences she gained during that opportunity solidified her desire to care for families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

During her midwifery training Savannah had the privilege of working with skilled midwives.. They instilled her passion for informed choice, evidence based practice, and person centered care. These elements are core to how Savannah approaches midwifery. 

Her goal is for clients to be informed, respected in their choices, and feel well supported. Supporting families during such a transformative time is beyond a privilege. 

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.

Dawn struggled most of her adult life with being overweight. Since 2009 she has focused on creating a healthier lifestyle for her family and herself. After successfully losing 60 pounds she decided that she wanted to pursue a career in fitness to help others. In 2012, Dawn became certified as an AFLCA Group Program, graduating with honours in 2014. Since then, Dawn has supplement her diploma with certifications in TRX, ACE (Alberta Cancer Exercise), foam rolling, AFLCA Ever Active Kids, AFLCA Fundamental Independence in Older Adult, and recently completed the CSEP Pre/Post Natal Specialist certification. 

For the past 8 years Dawn has volunteered in coaching youth football in Airdrie (strength and conditioning coach, and currently the running back coach at Bert Church High School). Recently Dawn has became the head coach of the Airdrie Female Raiders team. 

She promotes physical movement in all ages and loves to mentor women of all ages in leading a healthier lifestyle.

Shannon was blessed with knowing from a very early age that she wanted to help bring babies into the world. Although she had the heart of a midwife for some time, Shannon did not move directly into midwifery. 

Shannon first graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 2003 and worked as a labour and delivery nurse at a high risk hospital in Calgary. She then embarked on a traveling adventure and worked in Scotland, where she discovered how she was not permitted to provide maternity care without being a midwife. Her time away from birthing families created a longing to return to maternity care and allowed Shannon the space to reflect on her philosophy of birth. While she loved being part of one of the most exciting, rewarding, and intimate moments that an individual and family can experience as a nurse, Shannon struggled with having no connection afterward. Shannon also knew that she was not able to serve growing families to the best of her ability with no relationship before the birth.

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.

Monique's journey towards Midwifery started as a young mother of three. Following the birth of her twin girls, Monique returned to school and completed her Bachelor of Nursing.

Monique is very passionate about continuing to serve this group through her role as a Midwife.

In 2011, Monique began the UBC Bachelor of Midwifery Program in Vancouver.  Her educational experience has prepared Monique to work across all settings in Midwifery.  The highlight of her learning was a global citizen placement in Uganda, Africa. It was a profound experience that really strengthened her confidence and emergency skill sets.

As a proud member of Abeille Airdrie Midwives, Monique is excited to celebrate families in their many shapes and forms and look forward to finding out what is important to you.

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.

While attempting to find her place in the helping professions for over a decade, Tiffany discovered midwifery when her sister recommended midwifery care during Tiffany's first pregnancy. The midwifery model of care aligned completely with her birth philosophies, but mostly what sealed the deal was that she could have her baby at home.

The midwifery care Tiffany received while pregnant was absolutely second to none and since then, she has had two beautiful children with the wisdom and guidance of midwives, including a successful vaginal breech delivery. The care Tiffany experienced by her midwifery team inspired her to become immersed in birth work. Tiffany became a birth doula in 2014 and was trained in placenta encapsulation. After supporting only a few births, she knew it wasn’t enough. Tiffany realized she needed to become a midwife.

Midwifery services are fully funded by AHS.