Emily Friar CPM, LM

I am a graduate of the National College of Midwifery.  My clinical experience was gained at the Northern New Mexico Women's Health and Birth Center, located in Taos, New Mexico. A unique oppurtunity in that the practice had three CPMs, two RNs and four OB/GYNs, working together to provide maternity care to a diverse population.  We offered sensitive, family centered care in the hospital, home, or birth center.

Prior to my midwifery education, I voluntered with AmeriCorp in the healthCorp division, providing sex education and family planning information & services to public school students. 

I successfully completed my NARM exam to became a CPM in August of 2003.  That same year I became a mother with the birth of Satchell, born at home, into the hands of a midwife, and old classmate of mine.  In July of 2006, my husband and I were again blessed with the arrival of our second born son, Rylan, also born at home, into water with two very loving and patient midwives in attendance.  I am truly gratefull for the maternity care options available to me and my family and believe that it is a fundamental human right for a woman to choose where and with whom she gives birth.

Sam Steffens

Advanced Midwifery Student

With a goal of offering community based midwifery services, I began the journey into midwifery studies in 2002. I am happy to be working with Rockbridge Midwifery Care in an internship through December  of 2008, learning and serving with Emily.

In my efforts to create a well rounded education I became an EMT in 2006 and obtained a neonatale resusatation certifacation along with an adult, child & infant CPR certifacation. I have worked within three midwifery apprenticeships over the durration of my trainning and am now in the final stages of trainning for Virginia licensuer. I have attended births within home, center and hospital settings both in the united states and in the Domnican Republic. 

At the foundation of my path into midwifery is my family, my wonderful husband of 6 years and our two children. I look forward to serving families as they build their own foundations though pregnancy and birth here at RockBridge Midwifery Care.

Cassandra Perez, RN, BSN

Birth Assistant
Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Cassandra is a registered nurse with a background in maternal-child health, including labor & delivery, pregnant and parenting teens, public health/family planning, and maternity nursing education.
She has completed programs in lactation education and herbalism, as well as, apprenticing with licensed midwives Emily Friar and Julie Martin. In addition, she offers acupressure for labor & delivery.
Cassandra has her own business, Birthways, providing professional labor support services, education, and consultation to childbearing women. She also hosts the Rockbridge County Birth Circle once a month at the Rockbridge Regional Library in Lexington.
Originally from California, Cassandra relocated to Virginia in 2005. She lives in Fairfield with her husband and two dogs. 

Christine Fairfield

Breastfeeding Instructor

Christine lives in Mint Spring, VA with her husband and three daughters.  Her interest in lactation and breastfeeding began in 1999 while pregnant with her first child.  After the birth of her second child, she became a La Leche League Leader and continues to be active in the Lexington/Rockbridge County LLL group.  She is pursuing a Certificate in Lactation Education through the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA).  She also regularly volunteers with   the lactation consultant at Stonewall Jackson Hospital.  She is a member of La Leche League International, the International Lactation Consultants Association, and CAPPA.

 Heather

 Baby Signs Instructor