About the Facilitator
Effie is an experienced Certified Childbirth Educator, who graduated with honours in 1991 at the Women's College Health Sciences Centre/Humber College, Childbirth Educators Multidiscipline Certificate Program, the only Childbirth Educators Certificate Program in Canada approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Effie is also a trained doula (ICEA), a Yoga Exercise Specialist, and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University. She is a member of the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) and the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and stays current with her knowledge through workshops, training, courses and other birthing, breastfeeding and infant care news, to ensure quality and excellence at New Life Prenatal Classes.
From 1992 to 2004 Effie worked as a Childbirth Educator at Scarborough General Hospital and, in 2004, founded New Life Prenatal Classes. In 2008, New Life Prenatal Classes was awarded the contract to facilitate childbirth preparation, baby care and breastfeeding classes for the Scarborough Health Network at two sites, General and Birchmount. Summer 2019 opened new doors for Effie when she joined Toronto East Health Network's Michael Garron Hospital to facilitate childbirth, baby care, breastfeeding and grandparent classes.
Over the years, Effie has supported thousands of families to have positive and empowering pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences. Her experience as a mother adds compassion and understanding to her education and experience as a childbirth educator and doula.
Effie believes that uncomplicated childbirth is normal and natural, and that women have within them what it takes to birth their child, most effectively in an environment that makes them feel secure. In order to make this most memorable and life changing experience as satisfying as possible, childbearing families should prepare by educating themselves so they can make informed decisions during pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood.
Effie's goal is to help educate and empower childbearing families so that their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience is as healthy and positive as possible.
