Midwifery

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides comprehensive Obstetrics and Gynecology services. Within the department, the midwifery service has been an integral part of our growth as a department. On September 14, 2013, the midwifery service celebrated its 15,000th delivery.

Telephone: Call Center 1-844-UR-CONEY

Please see below for a list of our talented multi-lingual and multicultural midwifery and nurse practitioner staff:

Aleyamma Philipose, RN-BC, CNP, CNM, MA

To me, my work is much more than a job. It is a passion and a calling. My journey into midwifery began 35 years ago in Vellore, India where I attended the prestigious Vellore Christian Medical College. It was here that my knowledge and skills were cultivated, and it was here that I was able to witness and truly understand the strength and fortitude of women. I decided to dedicate the rest of my career to Women’s Health. My ultimate goal is to help women have a safe and happy birth experience. Over the years, I have had the privilege to attend to over 1,500 deliveries. Every birthing experience is a unique opportunity to learn about myself both as an individual and a practicing midwife.

Takiya S. McClain, RN, BSN, CN, MA

I love being a midwife and realized more than 16 years ago that nursing and midwifery care were my calling. I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in Nursing in 1998 and in 2003, I was awarded a Master’s Degree from New York University in Midwifery. I’ve cared for women during all aspects of their lives and helped women as they’ve welcomed new additions into their families. I have taught maternal-child nursing theory and clinical instruction in an accredited nursing program to associate degree candidates at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. I recently became an author of a new memoir offering spiritual inspiration to women and I’ve been a guest speaker for Lincoln and Widener Universities.

Theodora Carter, CNM, MS

I’ve been a midwife for the past 35 years and would not trade this seemingly vocational career for any other. My initial midwifery training was at the Port of Span School of Nursing and Midwifery in Trinidad, West Indies. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College. I worked as an RN in Labor and Delivery at Long Island College Hospital. In 1995, I completed my recertification training in Midwifery at North Central Bronx in affiliation with Columbia University School of Nursing. I received my Master of Midwifery from Pennsylvania University.

Marie-Antoinette Chevrin RN-BC, MSN, CNS, FNP-BC

Professionally, I have always had big dreams. I envision myself to not only be a good nurse but to excel in my profession. I graduated from Haiti as an RN. I have spent most of my career in surgery, anesthesia, PACU, and ambulatory surgery. I am very happy in my new role as an FNP working in the OB/GYN practice at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island.

Alisa Dukach, RN, CNM, NP, MS, SAFE

NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island is my second family. Caring for women especially during pregnancy is my passion. I speak fluent Russian which helps me communicate with NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island’s very large Russian community. I especially love to help Russian women because pregnancy is a stressful time. If I can alleviate any stress by giving a little tender loving care in their native language, I feel that I have accomplished a great deed. I’m looking forward to sharing my midwifery pearls of wisdom with you.

Madonna Holder, CNM, MS

I have been a midwife for the past 35 years. I was initially trained as a State Certified Midwife at the University of West Middlesex Hospital in England in 1978. After working for 16 years as the Director of Midwifery at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, I joined the NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island midwifery team in February of 2012. I was also a founding member of the Maimonides & Wyckoff Heights Midwifery Services. I love taking care of pregnant patients and having the privilege of bringing babies into the world.

Amanda Machette, CNM, MS

From an early age, I had the desire to work in OB/GYN. I recognized what a special role I could play in so many women’s lives. I received my graduate nurse-midwifery degree from Columbia University in 2011. After completing my graduation rotations at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island, I eagerly joined the practice in early 2012. I love what I do an on a daily basis I feel blessed that I am invited to share in joyous and life changing moments with my patients. I aim to provide an environment that is supportive and relaxed and take pride in educating my patients so they can be active participants in their own care.

Caroline Paster, CNM, MS

I am very excited to embrace my career as a midwife, truly believing that women’s health care deserves a compassionate, unique and individualized approach. I have particular interests in well-woman gynecology and family planning, along with empowering women to feel autonomous throughout their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. I am a licensed midwife, board certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. In 2011, I attended the International Council of Midwifery triennial Conference in Durban, South Africa where my decision to become a midwife was only reinforced, as I was consistently inspired in my interactions with fellow midwives from around the world. This conference also fostered my interest in global health. Midwifery is a beautiful combination of art and science that places each woman at the center of her own care.

Patrina Royes, CNM, MSN

My path into midwifery began after my satisfaction with my child birth experience. I received my nursing degree in 2007 and began working as a labor and delivery nurse as I pursued my degree in Midwifery. After graduating from SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Nursing in 2011, I began my midwifery career at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island. I enjoy caring for women from diverse backgrounds and look forward to a lifelong career of providing culturally competent care to women across the lifespan.

Connie Sestito, CNM, MS

I have been working in Obstetrics since 1978. I came to NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island in 1982 as a Perinatal Coordinator. I graduated from Health and Science Center of Brooklyn (SUNY Downstate) and began my life as a midwife. I love caring for women throughout the birthing process. I love seeing the joy on the family’s faces as they welcome their new additions to their family. NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island is my second family and I trust our dynamic team of professional with my family.

Tamika Sharpe, RN, BSN, CNM, MS

As a nurse for so many years, I have become familiar with the various roles of all the members of the healthcare team. As a midwife, I feel exceptionally privileged to participate in the happiest moments of people’s lives, providing them with the knowledge and support needed to achieve the pregnancy and birthing experiences they desire. I look forward to making positive and lasting contributions to my patient’s and to my profession.