Aurora Midwifery is a natural childbirth practice that serves natural minded people who desire to (re)write their birth story through trusting their body, taking control of their care and birthing on their terms in the comfort of their own home with full support from prenatal through postpartum.
Through dedicated commitment, expert knowledge and an intimate small team, our Certified Professional Midwives in Phoenix empower people to reclaim their power through a home birth that builds their self confidence.
Through dedicated commitment, expert knowledge and an intimate small team, our Certified Professional Midwives in Phoenix empower people to reclaim their power through a home birth that builds their self confidence.
- We believe in you and your body. We listen intently to you, your body knows what to do. We believe in being client centered vs. provider centered.
- We believe in asking, not telling. Supporting and empowering through holistic care. We are for you taking hold of your power and following your heart and intuition.
- We believe your power is yours and should not be relinquished to anyone else. You deserve respect and the right to make your own decisions during pregnancy and birth. We do not support fear induced misinformation. Birth does not have to be scary.
- We believe birth is sacred. It's a becoming.
Learn about our team of midwives in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona
Alyssa Johns
Owner & Midwife, LM, CPM, MEd
Alyssa is dedicated to midwifery work because she knows how your confidence is directly affected by your birth experiences. She provides education and care because you deserve to know you have options and be empowered to make the decisions that are best for you and your child.
Alyssa's Story:
When I was a teacher one of my students looked at my pregnant belly and said, “My mom had my brother in a hot tub!” Shocked yet intrigued I got to know her mom who was a doula and a childbirth education teacher. I became immersed in home birth stories and was surprised that birth could look peaceful, calm, cozy, and homey. I then questioned why I would want to labor and give birth in a sterile hospital with machines beeping and tubes everywhere if I could stay home. I took her HypnoBirthing classes which completely transformed my mindset around birth and what it can be. The only birth options I knew were of what society portrayed, which was as a scary emergency and it usually does not need to be that.
So I had a home birth with my son and it was beautiful. It was hard work, but peaceful, supported, and calm. I felt so amazing and strong and it affected how I viewed myself as a woman. I didn’t know I could tap into so much raw power. I was proud for following my heart and going against the grain to do what felt right. I was no longer afraid to follow my instincts regarding any circumstance. Choosing to birth at home was the most empowering thing I had done. And learning to trust my body and my instincts changed me completely.
It revealed to me why birth is so sacred... it’s a becoming.
Alyssa became a doula & HypnoBirthing instructor in 2012 and has been a midwife since 2017. Before that she earned a Bachelor's in Education and a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Development, serving for 10 years as an early child hood educator and curriculum developer.
If you want to read about the powerful birth of Alyssa's daughter , check it out here:
Mia's Birth Story
Mona Ziems
Midwife, LM, CPM
Mona's Story:
Mona was born and raised in the heart of the Southwest, Santa Fe, New Mexico, to a rug merchant and statistician. There she grew up in a culturally diverse and eclectic community. It is Mona’s sincere belief that the impact of birth extends beyond a single moment and directly relates to the spiritual, social and emotional health of the woman and her family—influencing the well-being and progress of society at large. She has been attending births in varying capacities for well over a decade.
Beyond a love of all things birth related Mona enjoys immersing herself in the natural beauty of deserts, forests and anywhere near water. She is an avid reader and podcast listener, and great lover of a quality shot of espresso. In February 2019 Mona and her husband welcomed their first child into the world, who was born in the water at home.
Midwife, LM, CPM
Mona's Story:
Mona was born and raised in the heart of the Southwest, Santa Fe, New Mexico, to a rug merchant and statistician. There she grew up in a culturally diverse and eclectic community. It is Mona’s sincere belief that the impact of birth extends beyond a single moment and directly relates to the spiritual, social and emotional health of the woman and her family—influencing the well-being and progress of society at large. She has been attending births in varying capacities for well over a decade.
Beyond a love of all things birth related Mona enjoys immersing herself in the natural beauty of deserts, forests and anywhere near water. She is an avid reader and podcast listener, and great lover of a quality shot of espresso. In February 2019 Mona and her husband welcomed their first child into the world, who was born in the water at home.
Lisette Pena
Midwife, CPM, LM
Childbirth Educator, Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Lisette's Story:
Lisette was the doula and childbirth educator mentioned in Alyssa's story. She has been a huge inspiration for many in the Phoenix area birth community for over a decade. She has five beautiful children, and their births are as varied as they come. Her first was born in the hospital, her second was born via c-section, and her three sons were born at home in the water. She has served families in many capacities and continues to serve now as a midwife
Lisette has been attending births since 2004. She uses her training and experiences to empower women to learn about their bodies and teaches them how to tune in to what their bodies are communicating through changes, pain and emotions. She incorporates multiple modalities in her teaching and coaching of women to include movement classes, hypnotherapy, and yoga. She has her BA in Social Work and has offered Doula support to over 300 families. She is a licensed real estate agent and continues her service to families by assisting them with all their real estate goals. She finds her work with women, families, and real estate to be beautifully intertwined and feels honored to be able to help families with such significant and important experiences within their lives.
Midwife, CPM, LM
Childbirth Educator, Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Lisette's Story:
Lisette was the doula and childbirth educator mentioned in Alyssa's story. She has been a huge inspiration for many in the Phoenix area birth community for over a decade. She has five beautiful children, and their births are as varied as they come. Her first was born in the hospital, her second was born via c-section, and her three sons were born at home in the water. She has served families in many capacities and continues to serve now as a midwife
Lisette has been attending births since 2004. She uses her training and experiences to empower women to learn about their bodies and teaches them how to tune in to what their bodies are communicating through changes, pain and emotions. She incorporates multiple modalities in her teaching and coaching of women to include movement classes, hypnotherapy, and yoga. She has her BA in Social Work and has offered Doula support to over 300 families. She is a licensed real estate agent and continues her service to families by assisting them with all their real estate goals. She finds her work with women, families, and real estate to be beautifully intertwined and feels honored to be able to help families with such significant and important experiences within their lives.
Jen Hoeprich
Postpartum Specialist Midwife, CPM, LM
Jen's Story:
It is my honor to support you, prenatally, with a home prenatal visit that includes one-to-one planning for your unique postpartum, to provide an additional home visit check-up for you and baby, around 5 days after your birth, and to facilitate the regular postpartum circles for you to connect with your community of other postpartum moms & families, at Root & Rise Collective.
I am a homebirth mom to a 4-year-old daughter and a birth center mom to an adult son.
I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in 2001 and was a birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator from 2004 through 2010. In 2011, I obtained my Arizona Midwifery License and have been a continuously practicing homebirth midwife, here in the East Valley, ever since!
I provide Trauma-Informed care and facilitate mothers’ wellness circles, workshops, classes, year-long programs and weekend retreats, and have provided individual mindfulness & wellness sessions for mothers, through Magical Mamas, LLC, for over eight years.
In addition, I work as a group facilitator for a local nonprofit serving postpartum families here in the Valley, called 4th Trimester AZ.
I look forward to meeting you in person and to supporting you in creating a truly nurturing & empowering postpartum!
Postpartum Specialist Midwife, CPM, LM
Jen's Story:
It is my honor to support you, prenatally, with a home prenatal visit that includes one-to-one planning for your unique postpartum, to provide an additional home visit check-up for you and baby, around 5 days after your birth, and to facilitate the regular postpartum circles for you to connect with your community of other postpartum moms & families, at Root & Rise Collective.
I am a homebirth mom to a 4-year-old daughter and a birth center mom to an adult son.
I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in 2001 and was a birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator from 2004 through 2010. In 2011, I obtained my Arizona Midwifery License and have been a continuously practicing homebirth midwife, here in the East Valley, ever since!
I provide Trauma-Informed care and facilitate mothers’ wellness circles, workshops, classes, year-long programs and weekend retreats, and have provided individual mindfulness & wellness sessions for mothers, through Magical Mamas, LLC, for over eight years.
In addition, I work as a group facilitator for a local nonprofit serving postpartum families here in the Valley, called 4th Trimester AZ.
I look forward to meeting you in person and to supporting you in creating a truly nurturing & empowering postpartum!
Dwan Katz
Senior Student Midwife
Dwan begin her journey into the birth world way back in 2003, She just didn’t know it at the time. After enduring a year’s worth of infertility treatment, followed by a year-long IVF process, her beautiful twins arrived in 2005. Her struggle instilled a deep sense of empathy for all families dealing with infertility. Dwan decided to become a surrogate. She was so moved by the experience, she did it twice! Both surrogacies produced a set of twins for two separate families! She loved seeing the kids grow up, and they will be a part of her family forever. Her biggest takeaway from the experience was the overwhelming joy she experienced watching the parents see their kids for the first time. She wanted to experience that over and over. That feeling has inspired and driven Dwan to become a birth and postpartum doula. She wanted to support and witness the birthing person find their power with the knowledge and confidence that comes with any birth process.
Dwan is ready to move on to the next chapter by becoming a student midwife working on completing her clinical experience and requirements for PEP through the North American Registry of Midwife to become a Certified Professional Midwife and Licensed Midwife (CPM,LM)
Senior Student Midwife
Dwan begin her journey into the birth world way back in 2003, She just didn’t know it at the time. After enduring a year’s worth of infertility treatment, followed by a year-long IVF process, her beautiful twins arrived in 2005. Her struggle instilled a deep sense of empathy for all families dealing with infertility. Dwan decided to become a surrogate. She was so moved by the experience, she did it twice! Both surrogacies produced a set of twins for two separate families! She loved seeing the kids grow up, and they will be a part of her family forever. Her biggest takeaway from the experience was the overwhelming joy she experienced watching the parents see their kids for the first time. She wanted to experience that over and over. That feeling has inspired and driven Dwan to become a birth and postpartum doula. She wanted to support and witness the birthing person find their power with the knowledge and confidence that comes with any birth process.
Dwan is ready to move on to the next chapter by becoming a student midwife working on completing her clinical experience and requirements for PEP through the North American Registry of Midwife to become a Certified Professional Midwife and Licensed Midwife (CPM,LM)
Melissa Peteris
Senior Student Midwife
There has been something inside of me that has loved birth and all things around it since I can truly remember. In kindergarten I told my teacher I wanted to be a “baby deliver doctor”. I grew up in California and spent most of my time on my dads families almond farm in Modesto. It brought me so much joy and it gave me my first awareness to all the things our Earth can supply. So much of that childhood core memory has now connected me to my loves for herbs, oils, and the holistic side of our bodies and its capabilities as we were created. I was a young momma and now have 10 homeschooled, sport loving, beautiful kiddos who are my entire world. Eight of my babes were birthed from my body and two are our amazing foster babies that we have adopted. I am married to the man of my dreams who stands by my side as I pursue my callings. I worked as a medic and labor and delivery nurse in LA, and became. doula during this time as my true love for birthing, pregnant, and postpartum women came bursting out of me! I felt at home but eventually figured out that my place wasn’t in fact in the hospital, it was just that, at HOME. Women are amazing and I truly feel we were never meant to do any of life alone.
“When a baby is born it is the closest to God you will ever be until you go home. The moment two portals open and a new life is given to our world is more magical than any words I could ever use could describe. Each baby is Gods promise that the world must go on.”
Senior Student Midwife
There has been something inside of me that has loved birth and all things around it since I can truly remember. In kindergarten I told my teacher I wanted to be a “baby deliver doctor”. I grew up in California and spent most of my time on my dads families almond farm in Modesto. It brought me so much joy and it gave me my first awareness to all the things our Earth can supply. So much of that childhood core memory has now connected me to my loves for herbs, oils, and the holistic side of our bodies and its capabilities as we were created. I was a young momma and now have 10 homeschooled, sport loving, beautiful kiddos who are my entire world. Eight of my babes were birthed from my body and two are our amazing foster babies that we have adopted. I am married to the man of my dreams who stands by my side as I pursue my callings. I worked as a medic and labor and delivery nurse in LA, and became. doula during this time as my true love for birthing, pregnant, and postpartum women came bursting out of me! I felt at home but eventually figured out that my place wasn’t in fact in the hospital, it was just that, at HOME. Women are amazing and I truly feel we were never meant to do any of life alone.
“When a baby is born it is the closest to God you will ever be until you go home. The moment two portals open and a new life is given to our world is more magical than any words I could ever use could describe. Each baby is Gods promise that the world must go on.”
Kaylee Craig
Junior Student Midwife
Hi I’m Kaylee! I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have 3 little ones together! I started my midwife apprenticeship in 2021 and I am beyond excited for this journey! I have known I wanted to work in the birth field since I had my first baby over 7 years ago. I wasn’t sure exactly what I would be doing, but I knew I wanted to work with laboring mamas. I was able to attend my good friends homebirth and that is what pushed me to get it started! The same week I figured out what it would take and I committed to that. I found a love for midwifery, empowering women and seeing new life begin. This is where my passion is and I’m so thankful for this opportunity!
Junior Student Midwife
Hi I’m Kaylee! I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have 3 little ones together! I started my midwife apprenticeship in 2021 and I am beyond excited for this journey! I have known I wanted to work in the birth field since I had my first baby over 7 years ago. I wasn’t sure exactly what I would be doing, but I knew I wanted to work with laboring mamas. I was able to attend my good friends homebirth and that is what pushed me to get it started! The same week I figured out what it would take and I committed to that. I found a love for midwifery, empowering women and seeing new life begin. This is where my passion is and I’m so thankful for this opportunity!
Stephanie Mitchell
Junior Student Midwife
Stephanie’s quest for knowledge and passion for supporting families began during her first pregnancy in 2016. She experienced the midwifery model of care and felt connected to the confidence and support she found there. She researched and learned as much as she could and soon, family, friends and neighbors were relying on her for advice, guidance and information. This is where her path towards her profession in birth work began.
After having two very different birth experiences herself, Stephanie knew that she wanted to help families have the births they desire. She’s been working in the Phoenix area as a birth doula, childbirth educator and placenta encapsulation specialist. She is excited to begin her journey as a student midwife and is attending the National College of Midwifery.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Arizona State University and has lived in Germany, Chicago and Budapest. When she’s not working or chasing her two toddlers, she enjoys trips to the beach, coffee dates with friends and serving her community as a member of the Junior League of Phoenix.
Junior Student Midwife
Stephanie’s quest for knowledge and passion for supporting families began during her first pregnancy in 2016. She experienced the midwifery model of care and felt connected to the confidence and support she found there. She researched and learned as much as she could and soon, family, friends and neighbors were relying on her for advice, guidance and information. This is where her path towards her profession in birth work began.
After having two very different birth experiences herself, Stephanie knew that she wanted to help families have the births they desire. She’s been working in the Phoenix area as a birth doula, childbirth educator and placenta encapsulation specialist. She is excited to begin her journey as a student midwife and is attending the National College of Midwifery.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Arizona State University and has lived in Germany, Chicago and Budapest. When she’s not working or chasing her two toddlers, she enjoys trips to the beach, coffee dates with friends and serving her community as a member of the Junior League of Phoenix.
Interviews with Aurora Midwife:
All About Breastfeeding Podcast- Episode 305
Moms on High- Hyperemesis Gravidarum Podcast
Moms on High- Video Link
Interview with VoyagePhoenix
All About Breastfeeding Podcast- Episode 305
Moms on High- Hyperemesis Gravidarum Podcast
Moms on High- Video Link
Interview with VoyagePhoenix
"I was fortunate to have Alyssa as a midwife, doula, and hypnobirthing instructor. I knew I wanted to have a natural birth prior to even being pregnant. Once I found out I was pregnant I started to research the different classes for achieving an unmedicated birth. I had read so many testimonials and watched hypnobirthing videos that I decided that seemed like the best option. I found Alyssa through hypnobirthing and found out she also facilitated home births. I was interested in the possibility of birthing my child at home but my husband was on the fence. Alyssa came to our house and answered all our questions which really eased my husband's mind. All our appointments were relaxed and I could ask any and all the questions I had. Her hypnobirthing classes were very informative and gave me the tools I needed to birth our son. When it came time to deliver our son we did have to do a hospital transfer due to my blood pressure becoming elevated (my BP had been perfect throughout my pregnancy). Alyssa stayed with me until I delivered my son and really advocated for me to make sure I could still have the birth I desired even if it was outside of the home. She also came to check on me when we came home from the hospital and answer any questions I have. She is truly a great midwife and person. I would recommend any expecting mom in the East Valley to talk to her and consider home birthing as a option. I am so grateful she was with me through this experience." -Celeste
"Alyssa is great! Very knowledgeable and very caring. She was our midwife for our most recent kiddo and I can't recommend her enough." -Westin
"I cannot more highly recommend Alyssa and her team! We moved to Arizona two months before our third baby was due and we knew no one. We had experienced an unmedicated hospital birth, a birth at a birth center, and a home birth was something we had always thought would be great but we were still a little nervous. With Covid restrictions in place, no family near by, and a desire to have a birth team that knew us and supported, a homebirth came to make the most sense. After doing an online meet-and-greet we felt fully confident that Alyssa and her team were the perfect fit to support us as we welcomed our third little one. Every appointment, every question, referring us to local providers when needed - she was so gracious through it all! We also LOVED getting to work with Lisette and Mona - such an empowering team! My husband and I felt that we were in EXCELLENT hands through my entire labor, with immediate postpartum care, and through our postpartum visits. We’ll forever be grateful for the care we received through Aurora!" -Kacy
"Alyssa is great! Very knowledgeable and very caring. She was our midwife for our most recent kiddo and I can't recommend her enough." -Westin
"I cannot more highly recommend Alyssa and her team! We moved to Arizona two months before our third baby was due and we knew no one. We had experienced an unmedicated hospital birth, a birth at a birth center, and a home birth was something we had always thought would be great but we were still a little nervous. With Covid restrictions in place, no family near by, and a desire to have a birth team that knew us and supported, a homebirth came to make the most sense. After doing an online meet-and-greet we felt fully confident that Alyssa and her team were the perfect fit to support us as we welcomed our third little one. Every appointment, every question, referring us to local providers when needed - she was so gracious through it all! We also LOVED getting to work with Lisette and Mona - such an empowering team! My husband and I felt that we were in EXCELLENT hands through my entire labor, with immediate postpartum care, and through our postpartum visits. We’ll forever be grateful for the care we received through Aurora!" -Kacy