Our Midwives
Marissa and Rachel met while living in different states but going to the same midwifery school. While chatting, they found out they were both moving to Albuquerque within months of each other in 2018. Rachel was born and raised in Albuquerque and had been gone for 19 years, and Marissa had always been drawn to the Southwest. They quickly learned they were not only connected by this coincidence but also by their Sicilian ancestry. They started working together in 2020 and have been to over 200 births together. They share similar philosophies on life and midwifery.
Marissa Evarts- Midwife
Marissa was first introduced to the concept of birth as a kid growing up on a farm and being invited by neighbors to watch puppies being born. The concept came back around to her in 2007 while she was working on a bachelor’s degree in Holistic Nutrition. This is when her passion to become a midwife began. She went on to serve as a birth doula for over 10 years before studying to become a midwife. Marissa is a certified professional midwife (CPM) and is a licensed midwife (LM) in the state of New Mexico. Marissa is also a NARM-approved certified preceptor. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from the Midwives College of Utah and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Education with a focus in Adult Education and Training at the American College of Education. Marissa is passionate about working with students, teaching midwifery topics and skills, strengthening the preceptor-apprentice relationship, and preserving the midwifery profession.
Marissa holds current certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) and CPR. She has also completed specialized training in emergency birth skills, evidence-based healthcare, psychological and cultural safety, inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ families, and trauma-informed care. Marissa also trained as a labor and postpartum doula through CAPPA and childbirth educator training through GentleBirth. Marissa is passionate about supporting students and has pursued extensive preceptor training, taking nearly every opportunity she can find to strengthen her skills as an educator.
Marissa has been married to her spouse since 2000, and they have two children together. Marissa has a deep pride in her Sicilian and southern Italian heritage and loves to share this with others. Marissa loves being outdoors, homesteading, hiking, and canoeing. Gardening is one of her favorite forms of meditation. Marissa also has a creative side and enjoys making jewelry, stained glass, and mosaics. She has lived in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Colorado, but has found a home in New Mexico’s beauty, people, and culture. She lives in the South Valley in Albuquerque, where she cherishes the community’s rich farming history. She also shares her life with several dogs, a large flock of chickens, and two bearded dragons.
Rachel Brunacini- Midwife
Rachel was born and raised in Albuquerque NM. Her family has been in New Mexico for many generations. Rachel has seven children who were all born at home with the assistance of midwives. While experiencing her own home births she discovered that she wanted to become a midwife. Rachel feels honored to be serving and providing care to clients in her hometown of Albuquerque. One of Rachel’s sayings is that she is a guardian of normal when it comes to the process of birth. Licensed midwives are trained to observe birth and when it veers out of the normal range they do what is needed to steer it back on track or seek appropriate care. Rachel also values and believes in being a midwifery preceptor and passing on midwifery knowledge to student midwives seeking training. She believes that all families should have access to midwifery care.
Rachel is a certified professional midwife (CPM) and graduated with her ASM from Midwives College of Utah. She is licensed to practice midwifery in the state of NM. Her clinical training consisted of a 4 year apprenticeship with a WI/IL CPM. Rachel holds current certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) and CPR. Rachel has also completed specialized training in breastfeeding, optimal fetal positioning, perinatal education, emergency birth skills, evidence-based healthcare, cultural safety, providing inclusive care to LGBTQIA+ families, trauma informed care, IV therapy/phlebotomy, and babywearing. She is a trained Babywearing Consultant through the Center for Babywearing Studies. Rachel also trained as a labor and postpartum doula through Birth Arts International.
Rachel’s seven children span in age from 25 to 14 years old and as you can imagine they keep her very busy. She enjoys tattoos, reading and gardening. In her free time she loves attending concerts and plays, and hiking/exploring National Parks with her kids. Rachel also shares her home life with several family pets including a rambunctious standard poodle, many reptiles, fish and a large flock of chickens.
