About Us

Philosophy of Care

A woman’s health and medical care is a partnership between her and her health care provider. It is our responsibility to provide excellence in her care and education and sensitivity to her concerns and needs. Her health is also her own responsibility, we expect her to communicate with us and participate in decision-making. We acknowledge the value of both traditional and alternative forms of health promotion and treatment. We will listen to our clients, and treat them and their families with respect, dignity, and assurance of confidentiality. Pregnancy and birth are physiological processes that should be subject to as little intervention as possible. The process of birth belongs to the domain of normal human activity and requires medical assistance only when disturbances to normal patterns are present. We offer women choices in place of birth, choosing the appropriate level of expertise and technology. Certified nurse midwives (CNM), experts in normal childbearing, work independently and in collaboration with our consulting obstetricians. Together, we are dedicated to taking time to educate, advise, and support the childbearing family.

%

Client Satisfaction Rate

%

C-Section Rate

%

Emergency Transfers

%

Hospital Transfer Rate

98%

Client Satisfaction Rate

3.6%

C-Section Rate

1%

Emergency Transfers

12.5%

Hospital Transfers in Labor

Erin Stein

MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, Director

Emily Waller

DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, Staff Certified Nurse Midwife

Emily began her nursing career in the Emergency Room, where she discovered a deep passion for women’s health, patient advocacy, and autonomy. She soon transitioned to Labor & Delivery, where she became inspired to support families through the entire birth journey—from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond.

While working in high-risk L&D, Emily pursued her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Georgetown University, specializing in Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health. She successfully defended her doctoral project in 2022, which focused on improving early identification and management of postpartum hemorrhage through staff education.

Emily completed her final clinical rotation at Charleston Birth Place, where she found her calling in out-of-hospital, low-intervention birth. She joined CBP as a full-time staff midwife in 2022 and has been honored to support families in a more personal and empowering birth setting. She especially enjoys educating clients and advocating for their birth preferences.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys time with her husband, Alex, and chasing after their spirited daughter, Rae.

Chelsey Mackenzie

MSN, CNM

Chelsey Mackenzie first fell in love with midwifery from her undergrad obstetrics nursing class, in which the professor insisted everyone put on their “rose-colored glasses” and view the topic from a lens of health. Her devotion was solidified through the excellent midwifery care she received throughout her own pregnancy and birth with her son. Chelsey soon transferred to work as a Labor & Birth RN to gain hands-on experience in the birth room. During this time, she also trained as a DONA birth doula, and co-founded a doula team that supported growing families in a variety of birth settings. She graduated from Bethel University’s nurse-midwifery program in 2023. Chelsey feels passionately about holding space for the wonder of physiological pregnancy and birth to unfold on its own while thoughtfully and skillfully intervening when needed.

Michelle Brong

MSN, CNM

Michelle is a staff midwife at Charleston Birth Place, where she works part time providing both clinic visits and deliveries. She earned her nursing and midwifery degrees from Texas Tech and has been practicing as a midwife for more than five years. Her career has spanned both birth center and hospital settings, giving her a wide range of experience in low- and high-risk maternity care.

Michelle began her career at Charleston Birth Place, where she spent several meaningful years before transitioning into a hospital setting to gain additional high-risk experience. After welcoming her son, Benjamin, at CBP in November 2024, she returned to the practice with a renewed appreciation for out-of-hospital birth and this unique model of care. She considers it a privilege to have experienced CBP both as a midwife and as a patient.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband, their son, and their two doodles. Whether on nature trails around Charleston or relaxing at the beach, family time is always her priority. She also has a love for traveling, savoring a good latte, and rewatching her favorite episodes of Gilmore Girls.

Kimberly Johansen

MSN, CNM

Kim grew up in a small town in Southern Indiana and have since called 13 different states home. After spending 12 years in the Seattle, Washington area, she relocated to South Carolina to be closer to her grandson and family.

She is a proud mother of three and grandmother of three, and she shares her days with a tiny but spirited 3-pound dog named Bella.

Her journey into nursing began at Purdue University, where she earned my BSN in 1997. She went on to complete her MSN in Midwifery at the University of New Mexico in 2004. Since then, she’s had the privilege of catching over 5,000 babies. One of the first babies she ever caught has now graduated from college—a full-circle moment that reminds her daily why she loves this work.

She became a midwife because she believes women deserve a voice in how they receive their health care and should have choices in how they bring their babies into the world. In Seattle, she started a birth center to give women a safe, empowering option for out-of-hospital birth. Her philosophy has always centered on education, shared decision-making, and respecting each woman’s unique journey.

“Midwifery is more than a career—it is a calling. I cannot imagine doing anything else with my life”

Delaney Dehertogh

MSN, CNM, FNP-C

Dee was born and raised in San Diego, but she’s been proud to call the Southeast home for the past ten years. Her nursing background includes college, maternal, newborn, and women’s health, with patient advocacy and equitable care at the heart of her work. After spending time in both high- and low-risk hospital obstetrics, she’s excited to now focus on creating a safe and welcoming out-of-hospital birth experience that truly reflects each family’s unique needs and choices.

She believes women deserve more than medical checklists—they deserve a space where their voices are heard, questions are encouraged, and decisions are made with respect and collaboration. When she’s not midwifing at the birth center, you’ll usually find her chasing her dachshund mix, Lola, getting lost in the latest fiction craze, or soaking up the sunshine at the beach!

“Being invited into these moments is the greatest honor, and I’m grateful for every family who allows me to walk alongside them on their life journey”

Katie Lynch

BSN, RNC-OB

Ivy Parrish

BSN, RN

Ivy Parrish’s journey into the world of childbirth began as a teenager when she had the profound experience of witnessing a friend give birth. This moment ignited her passion for pregnancy, childbirth, and nurturing families. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Charleston Southern University, eventually working at Trident Medical Center, where she gained valuable experience in postpartum care and medical surgery. As a mother of four, Ivy brings a wealth of personal experience to her practice. Her commitment to helping others expand their families led her to serve as a surrogate mother, joyfully bringing a baby boy into the world for another family.

Ivy’s dedication to supporting mothers extends beyond her nursing career of more than 20years; she has also studied placentas and offers encapsulation services to new moms in the Lowcountry. After experiencing the warmth and support of Charleston Birth Place during the birth of her third child, Ivy was inspired to join their team as a nurse. She is passionate about collaborating with midwives and families who view birth as a sacred journey, believing that every birth should be celebrated and honored. Through her work, Ivy aims to provide the same comfort and encouragement she received, ensuring that each family’s experience is as special as it deserves to be.

Norva Andrews

BSC, RN, LNM, CLNC

Norva has worked at Charleston Birth Place for more than seven years as a birth assistant and post-partum home visit nurse. She was born in Trinidad and Tobago, where she gained her formal education. She worked in general nursing and then become a licensed nurse midwife. In 2003, Norva and her family migrated to the USA. Her well-rounded background, has given her the opportunity to work in various disciplines as a travel nurse. She is a wife, mother of three, and proud grandmother of one. Her midwifery training in the West Indies aligns with CBP’s vision of natural childbirth.

“I am passionate about caring for new mothers and being a resource to the family as they meet their newest member. CBP shares my vision of empowering women and families, thus I anticipate an enduring relationship as we continue to empower our clients”

Kaitlyn Armatis

BSN, RN

With nine years of dedicated experience in labor and delivery, she brings both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to every birth. After earning her BSN from James Madison University in Virginia, she began her career at Sentara Norfolk General, where she specialized in high-risk labor and delivery. In 2019, she made the move to Charleston and stepped into a leadership role as charge nurse at MUSC, guiding her team through some of the most meaningful moments in patient care.

Beyond her professional achievements, she’s a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast with three lively huskies who keep life full of joy (and fur). When she’s not at the hospital, you’ll likely find her behind the wheel of her Jeep, exploring with her pups. Known for her ability to get close and personal with patients, she prides herself on easing anxieties, creating trust, and making every family’s birth story a little brighter.

Rebecca Read

BSN, RN

Becca is a registered nurse who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Anderson University in 2017. With over eight years of nursing experience, she has dedicated five years to birth center care and three years to pediatrics, bringing compassion, expertise, and a strong commitment to family-centered healthcare.

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Becca takes pride in serving the community where she grew up. She also has a passion for exploring the world—having traveled to more than 35 countries—and brings that same sense of curiosity and openness into her work.

Outside of nursing, Becca has a full house, caring for six pets that keep life busy and joyful. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment for families and children, blending clinical knowledge with a warm, approachable presence that puts patients at ease.

Alexandra Sauder

ADN, RN

Alexandra brings a rich array of nursing experience to the CBP team, and most importantly a joyful heart to serve our patients, babies, and their families in welcoming them into all stages of motherhood.

After obtaining her nursing degree from Trident Technical College in 2021, she dove into the world of cardiovascular surgery at Roper St. Francis CVICU for three and a half years. During this time, she gave birth to her daughter at CBP and the experience reignited her passion (and original intent for becoming a nurse!) for birth work and the midwifery model of care. Soon after her daughter’s birth, she accepted a PRN position as a birth assistant at CBP. She then transitioned from the CVICU to the MUSC adult ICU float pool, as well as the mother baby and high-risk antepartum units at Sean Jenkins Children’s hospital, while also working as a birth assistant. Fulfilling her dream of catching her second baby during her son’s birth was a pivotal moment in solidifying her love and passion for women and children’s health, and soon after she accepted a full time position at CBP.

It is an honor for her to serve our patients during the many transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. In her off time, you can find Alexandra playing with her two children and husband on their homestead, tending to her bees, baking, being outside in nature, running, and keeping her hands busy with many different forms of art!

Melinda Walters

BSN, RN

Melinda Walters is a Registered Nurse who brings compassion and warmth to her role as a home visit nurse, caring for patients where they feel most comfortable—at home. She is also a dedicated homeschooling mom and finds joy in sharing her love of music as a wedding singer and church choir volunteer. Melinda values faith, family, and service, and she strives to bring that same spirit of care into her work with every patient she meets.