ERICA STEELE – I am a native Austinite, born and raised in Austin, TX.  I am passionate about serving and supporting women as a midwife, and dispelling fear in childbirth.  My hope is to bring truth and love to the process of birth through gentle and complete care.
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

Ann Bennett, IBCLC, RLC, has been board certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2005 she has worked in private practice for over 15 years and has seen over 750 Moms online, she also has been an accredited La Leche League Leader since 1998. Ann nursed her own two boys and is the author of the book  The Breastfeeding Class You Never Had. She believes all moms can nurse their babies with good information and support. Ann feels helping Moms and babies is why God placed on this planet. When you have a baby at Luminary Birth center your prenatal breastfeeding class and one consult with Ann are included!

Elizabeth Wharton – There is power in therapeutic touch, and experiencing that is what inspired me to become a massage therapist. It is my mission to join my clients on their healing journey, through massage. Whether someone needs relief from tight muscles, calm in the middle of a hectic life, to feel nurtured and cared for, or anything in between, my goal is to increase a sense of well-being, serenity, and Bliss with every session.

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.

HEATHER WILSON – Heather is a mother of three beautiful girls and enjoys hiking, the river, and all things plants. She attended Texas State and graduated with a bachelors degree in Family Consumer Science and is now a Certified and Licensed Esthetician. Here at Luminary she works under her business name, Spa Gabrielle. She is grateful to share her passion for loving on others in a way that enables them to relax and destress. In her practice she offers facials with an emphasis on facial massage, facial reflexology and eyelash extensions.