ERICA STEELE, LM, CPM
CENTER DIRECTOR
At the young age of 5, shortly after the birth of my brother, I drew a picture that said, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a doctor because I’ll take out the baby.“. I am sure the younger me knew exactly what I wanted, long before I realized my passion for this work as an adult.
In 1999, I married my wonderful husband, and in the same year we moved to Taos, NM, in order for me to pursue an education in midwifery. After a short 5 months of study at the National College of Midwifery, we ran out of money, and I had to leave the program. However, the dream was in my heart, and I knew I would continue to pursue it. Later that year, my love for this work led me down a different path, and I began training as a doula.
In 2001, we moved back to Austin, TX, and were overjoyed to be expecting our first child. Due to a rare birth defect that was discovered during the pregnancy, we planned a scheduled cesarean section. It was a beautiful and difficult day. It was our birth day. You can read more about my daughter’s birthday, and our life as a special needs family, on our blog.
In 2004, we welcomed into the world our first son. We were blessed to have our first home birth and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). In 2005, I decided to continue pressing forward with supporting women, and became a childbirth education teacher. In the early summer of 2006, we welcomed our second son into the world at home, and in the water.
While my children were little ones, I continued to support mothers as a doula and by teaching childbirth classes. Then, when my youngest child entered school in 2011, I pursued my deep desire to become a midwife. I enrolled in the Midwifery Training Program with the Association of Texas Midwives. Since 1998, I have attended hundreds of births. I was overjoyed to graduate, and receive my license as a midwife in 2015. In 2021, I opened Hays County’s first all natural birthing center: Luminary Birth and Wellness Center!
Our home is located in San Marcos, TX where we enjoy a full life filled with joy, three children, and three dogs.
I look forward to serving you!
Erica Steele, LM CPM
Erica’s qualifications and experience as a Midwife:
- Licensed midwife in the state of Texas
- Graduate of the Association of Texas Midwives Midwifery Training Program
- Member of the Association of Texas Midwives
- Certified Professional Midwife through North American Registry of Midwives (NARM)
- CPR for the healthcare professional, AHA
- Neonatal Resuscitation, AHA/AAP
GENEVIEVE SCHAEFER, LM, CPM
Midwife
Genevieve Schaefer finds great pleasure and honor in lovingly helping babies to be born into the arms of their parents. Her primary focus is assisting the women she serves in having an informed, supported and empowered childbearing year that includes shared decision-making, emotional support, fitness, nutritional counseling and community.
Genevieve is a fourth- generation Texan, who has enjoyed raising her four wonderful children with her husband in the Texas Hill Country.
Genevieve is affiliated with the Midwives Alliance of North America, National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NARM), and the Association of Texas Midwives (ATM).
Dr. Madison Brewer
Family Wellness Chiropractor
ANN BENNETT, IBCLC, RLC
LACTATION CONSULTANT
ELIZABETH WHARTON, LMT
FAMILY MASSAGE THERAPIST
KRISTIN HUTZLER
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR
Kristin Hutzler – CERTIFIED BIRTH BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTOR, DOULA – Kristin is a wife and mom of four amazing blessings! This curriculum has allowed her to become an educator who empowers other couples and families to achieve their own amazing births through knowledge, practice, and informed decision making. Every woman should be made aware of ALL of her options regarding the care and treatment of herself and her baby during this special time of life! It is her privilege to lead couples and their families on their own unique journey to an AMAZING birth.