Madi Nolan Grimes,
​ Director, Midwife

Madi was inspired to become a midwife after witnessing her mother have four children at home, with midwives. She is NRP and CPR certified and graduated from the National College of Midwifery  and is licensed by the state of Alaska. 

Madi enjoys dance, gardening, and tending to her small flock of chickens in her free time. 

Ali de Zagottis,
​Midwife

When Ali first learned about midwifery care, she had one foot in her undergraduate studies and another in Alaska’s maritime industry. She saw the care midwives provide as an integral part of community well-being by empowering families through access to quality health care, education and support.
Soon after years of catching fish as a commercial fisherman, Ali made a steadfast commitment to catching babies as a midwife in pursuit of her passion for community health. She holds a master's degree in midwifery and botanical medicine training from Bastyr University.
​In addition to her time as a doula, her clinical experience includes working with families in the home, birth center and hospital settings throughout Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Johanna Koranda Crossett, Locum Midwife

Johanna  Crossett is a homebirth midwife with Prism Midwifery, LLC here in Juneau who fills in when Madi and Ali are on vacation from the birth center. Johanna is a certified midwife and mother of two wonderful children, Liam and Esme´ who were both born at home with midwives. 

Andrea Duncan, Massage Therapist

Andrea was born in Seattle, WA and raised in Unalaska, AK. She attended college at the University of Oregon, where she received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Andrea lived in Juneau for three years before moving to Seattle in October of 2013 to attend Bellevue Massage School and Bastyr University. She moved back to Juneau as a Certified Massage Practitioner in Swedish Massage and a Certified Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapist. Andrea is also a Certified Yoga Instructor trained at Inner Power Yoga in Vail, CO. She loves to teach yoga, in particular, she loves to teach kids yoga.

The Juneau Family Birth Center is the perfect fit for Andrea, where she can offer massage therapy and teach yoga.

When Andrea is not working (or going to school) she is outside doing many different activities with her loved ones and friends. She loves to travel and find ways to always learn and grow.

​​David Ham, Structural Integration

David Ham, a Certified Advanced Rolfer, is offering his services to self-pay clients at JFHBC.

Shandra Comas, Office Manager

Born and raised in Spokane, WA, Shandra moved to northern California shortly after graduating high school. There she met her husband, Caleb, and together they have lived in Denver, CO and Sitka, AK before finally settling in Juneau in 2015.
Shandra’s interest in natural child birth first began in 2009, after watching The Business of Being Born documentary. She continued to expand her knowledge through books, documentaries, and listening to personal stories.
Valentine’s Day 2019, Shandra and Caleb welcomed there first baby into the world with the help of the midwives at the Juneau Family Birth Center.
While not at work, Shandra can be found traveling, hiking, camping, and spending time with Caleb and daughter Nell.
     

Ami Demmert, Receptionist

Ami was born and raised in Juneau. Her oldest son was born at Juneau Family Birth Center in 2008. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Mat-Su Valley Alaska, where midwives helped her welcome a second son in 2011. In fall of 2018, Ami moved back to Juneau for a temporary time, but found herself falling in love with her hometown again, In summer 2019 she decided to stay. It was then that she joined the Juneau Birth Center team.
​Having the opportunity to be a part of women having a natural, empowering, and compassionate birth experience is very exciting to her and she is glad to be here. 
When not at work Ami and her boys enjoy spending time on the ocean and trails. They enjoy long walks with their dog, board games and family gatherings. 

​Joelle Newport, Midwifery Student

Joelle started her journey on the midwifery path 15 years ago. When she had my first child with midwives it was very clear to her that midwifery was the model of care she wanted be involved with beyond having my own babies. She has 4 children, 2 birth center births and 2 home births, ages 15, 13, 10, and 7. She has also has a passion for teaching (currently teaching special education for the JSD)  and is in the process of transitioning from the classroom to the birth room.  She feel strongly that education on nutrition and birth is key to healthy moms and healthy babies. Joelle looks forward to completing her training so she can continue the great work and care the midwives at the center currently give to Juneau and its surrounding communities.