This section features a Certified Nurse-Midwife member of the Kansas Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Melissa Conard CNM, APRN
PrairieStar Health Center

Other Midwives at PrairieStar Health Center: Angel Schmutz CNM, ARNP

1600 North Lorraine, Suite #110

Hutchinson, KS 67501

620-663-8484

www.prairiestarhealth.org/

Inspiration for pursuing midwifery: I have always known I wanted to do something with women’s health. After completing nursing school I immediately began working on a labor and delivery unit. Every birth I have attended has been so magical. This is one of the biggest days in a woman’s life and I get to be a part of it! Nothing could be better. I also love educating women on how to become healthier.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southwestern College in 2002; Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Baker University in 2004; Master of Science in Nursing and Certificate in Midwifery from KU School of Nursing in 2010.

Professional Experience: Certified Nurse-Midwife at PrairieStar Health Center in Hutchinson, Kansas for the last year and a half. Currently I provide women’s health services and primary care. This center is a federally qualified health center. We provide care to the uninsured, insured, and Medicaid/Medicare patients. Hopefully, we will be able to add prenatal care to our clinic soon.

Professional Organizations/Affiliations: Secretary of Kansas American College of Nurse-Midwives Affiliate; Member of American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Philosophy: Birth is normal and education is key to helping women understand their health and pregnancy.

Bouquets (Thank Yous): Thanks to my husband and daughter who are my biggest support system. I love when my four year old is playing in her room and says she is a midwife and needs to go deliver a baby!


Leslie Arnold, ARNP, Certified Nurse-Midwife

Lincoln Center Obstetrics & Gynecology, PA

Other Midwives at Lincoln Center Obstetrics & Gynecology, PA: Rebecca Otte, ARNP, CNM

800 SW Lincoln Center

Topeka, KS 66606

(785) 233-5101

www.lincolncenterobgyn.com

Inspiration for pursuing midwifery: I was inspired and encouraged by so many different women throughout my career it is hard to put into words or name one thing. I was a L&D nurse for about 10 years when I realized that I wanted to do more then call the doctor for delivery. I wanted to see women throughout their experiences, both good and bad, providing teaching, support, compassion, and catching their babies.

Education: I went to Washburn University for my BSN and my masters from the KU School of Nursing in 2009.

Professional Experience: Since August 2009 I have been with Lincoln Center providing full scope women’s care to a variety of women. I attend about 10-16 births per month. Prior to becoming a CNM, I was a Charge Nurse at Stormont-Vail Birthplace for 7 years, and a staff nurse 8 years before that. I also taught clinical for Neosho County Community College and KAW Technical School. Professional Organizations/Affiliations: I am Vice President of American College of Nurse-Midwives Kansas Affiliate Organization and I serve on the PAK Board of Directors.

Philosophy: I believe the key to better pregnancy outcomes is preconception care. Pregnancy is not an illness and shouldn’t be treated as one. I try to offer as much education and information to my families as I can so they can make informed decisions about their health care.

Bouquets (Thank Yous): I want to thank Rebecca for ALWAYS believing in me, from way before midwifery school; Ginger Breedlove for asking me what I thought about a labor patient at the birth center 17 yrs ago (I thought “Wow, these midwives are a different breed”) and for giving me a chance; Kyanna Kuntz for having faith in me throughout integration & beyond, you are simply the BEST!


Sharon Foster, CNM

Associates in Women’s Health, P.A.

3232 East Murdock, Wichita, KS 67208

316-685-7234

www.awhobgyn.com

Inspiration for Pursuing Midwifery: I have always enjoyed providing care to women in labor and being present at this special time. After 20 years of several roles in maternal child nursing, i.e. education and management , I wanted to provide direct care to women and felt that becoming a certified nurse-midwife would be my best option.

Education: Certification in Nurse-Midwifery , The Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing, 1999 Masters in Nursing, University of Kansas, 1984 Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Wichita State University, 1979

Professional Experience: Certified Nurse-Midwife for 12 years. Attended 880 births. Current Chair of the Kansas American College of Nurse-Midwives Affiliate.

Philosophy: Women should have choices in their healthcare and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are an important part of providing effective care.

Bouquets (Thank Yous): My husband who has always supported me in my professional endeavors.

If you are a Certified Nurse-Midwife and are also a member of the Kansas ACNM Affiliate, we would love to feature you. This page is updated monthly.Please join the Yahoo Groups! site to learn more about our Featured Midwife page.

Melissa Conard
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