The one where we share some staff changes…

This new year is bringing about some lovely changes, and some that are a bit bittersweet. We would like to start by congratulating Alisa on her new position as Clinical Director!

Coming Home…
by Alisa Henning, CNM

As some of you may have heard, our former Clinical Director, Melanie Yanke has resigned from her position at Dar a Luz. Melanie brought so many gifts to the center besides midwifery. She designed and created our beautiful grounds, was our Ms. Fix-it of anything and everything, attended to each detail with care, and made countless contributions to our organization. The center literally would not be what it is today without her talents and dedication.

I have now taken over the Clinical Director role, and do so with joy! I returned to Dar a Luz in April 2018, and cannot tell you how overjoyed I am to be back home. This center is so much more than a job for every single one of us that have the privilege to serve here. It fills my heart with gratitude to work alongside so many phenomenal women to provide our families care that feels genuine and sacred. I look forward to seeing what this next year brings for all of us.

With light and love,
Alisa

We also welcome a new midwife into the fold, and we are so excited to introduce her to you!

Hello, from Meagan!
by Meagan Morse, CNM, WHNP

I grew up outside Washington, DC and studied the history of medicine in college, focusing on gender and racial justice. After graduation, a homebirth midwifery practice generously took me under their wings, and I realized I had found my path! I was struck by partnerships these midwives built with clients, and by the autonomy-centered, personally connected, and deeply respectful care they provided — this is how I wanted to be in the world as a human and as a healer. 

In the years that followed, I grew my love for midwifery and built my toolkit while working as a sexual health educator and full-spectrum doula. In 2017, I began my training as a student midwife at the birth center Maternidad La Luz in El Paso, TX, providing care mostly in Spanish. I continued my studies at the University of California San Francisco, and graduated in 2020 with a Master’s in Midwifery and Women’s Health. During the program, I had the great joy of completing a majority of my clinical hours at the local birth center in Berkeley, CA.

I am over-the-moon excited to be a part of the Dar a Luz team. I believe that pregnancy and birth are a time of transformation with potential for healing and empowerment. It is an honor and joy to accompany people on these journeys, whatever path they take. I am committed to building a healthcare system that addresses health disparities faced by marginalized communities and is inclusive of all people and families. I am a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives Transgender Care Working Group, and facilitate a virtual support group for LGBTQIA+ families from preconception through parenting.

My partner and I live in Albuquerque, where we enjoy hiking, gardening, and spending time with our pet cockatiels, Sweetcheeks and Moe.

And finally, a farewell for now…
We have ALL been touched by Kimberlee’s beautiful, powerful spirit and belief in us, which helps us to believe in ourselves. Her kindness, advocacy, and humanity have been a beautiful support for our clients. We were so lucky, too, that Jose has so generously brought his wisdom and groundedness to our groups. We wish Kimberlee and Jose well as they embark on their new adventure!

Hello Dar a Luz Community and Family,

I wanted to take a moment to thank my colleagues at Dar a Luz for being in partnership with me these last 7+ years as I had the honor to work alongside them as well as many beautiful families in our community. It has been many wonderful years of partnership, friendship and inspired collective work together which I am so grateful for.

I will be stepping away from my contract with the birth center to give more energy and space for my growing private practice and continued education in Couples/Sex Therapy, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy/Integration and Mindfulness-Resiliency Retreats/Workshops with my partner in life and work, Jose. This year has highlighted for us an opportunity to lean into what is precious and fleeting and our little family and business are calling our attention and hearts towards them. It has been a joy and pleasure (truly) to work with individuals, couples and families around the areas of relationship, birth, trauma, grief/loss and all human issues in between. Jose and I have greatly enjoyed leading workshops in Mindful Partnering and Parenting, Couples Resiliency Retreats, New Moms’/Dads’ groups, and Birth Trauma groups… Thank you for your trust and willingness to participate in your own continued self-healing and for allowing us to guide you during our time together. It has been an immense honor. May each of you find your inner power and strength to surf through these interesting and growing times with more love and more kindness for yourselves and others. All of our biggest blessings to each of you from the bottom of our hearts.

In Health and Love, 
Kimberlee and Jose Maresma

To follow us or find more info:www.embodiedspirittherapies.comInstagram: embodied.spirit.therapies

As always, we all thank you for your trust in us on your journeys through health, pregnancy, and building your families. Here’s to a great new year!

~Dar a Luz