chrysalis outreach midwifery
Chrysalis Outreach Midwifery is a partnership between Dr. Kate Gerster and midwives Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain and Krysta Moland. The program exists to serve people who have difficulty accessing care through traditional models (for example, people who are unhoused, people with substance use issues, or people with significant mental health concerns).
Kirsten and Krysta provide care to clients in the community, communicating by text and phone, and meeting in shelters, community spaces, friends' homes, or wherever feasible. Clients are seen in consultation by Dr. Gerster at least once prior to delivery and more often as appropriate. Clients will plan to deliver at PRHC under the care of the on call obstetrician.
Clients can self-refer to Chrysalis phone/text 289-404-1990 or email chrysalismidwives@gmail.com
Health care providers can refer to Chrysalis by faxing patient information to Dr. Gerster/Evolve (please also direct the patient to reach out to the midwifery team, or advise them to expect a call from the midwives)
Questions are most welcome and should be directed to the phone and email address above
midwives
registered midwife
Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain
I have been privileged to work as a midwife in urban centers and remote Indigenous villages in northern Ontario, Nunavik, Labrador, and the North West Territories. I am passionate about access to high quality, compassionate, nonjudgemental health care, ensuring that the process is holistic and empowering. My expertise lies in pregnancies complicated by mental health, addictions, birth trauma, bereavement and other social complexities. I maintain up-to-date certifications in neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills. I have specialized training in addictions, perinatal mental health, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Prior to midwifery, I dedicated over twenty years to community health, specifically advocating for LGBTQ+, newcomers, Indigenous, homeless, and substance using individuals to ensure equitable access to healthcare. I hold a Master's degree in health education with a focus on HIV+ women, spiritual health, and support.
I identify as Queer. I live with my partner and three young adult children and three dogs. When I’m not working locally, I can be found working in remote areas of Canada. I love to travel and eat great food.
Krysta Moland
My name is Krysta, and I come to you as a Northern Ontarian. I have had the privilege of practicing in the Northern and Eastern parts of Ontario (and bringing my partner and now two teenagers along for the ride).
I was first introduced to midwifery as a teenager when my cousin became a midwife, and I swore I would only use a doctor and thought it was the silliest thing on the planet. Then I met my husband, who already had a child, and used midwives. HE was the their biggest advocate.
Fast forward, a whole lot of life experience and I found myself specializing in families with substance use disorder, complex social needs and teenage parents.
I am so excited to share my knowledge, and take on this journey with Chrysalis Midwives and the community. In my spare time, you might see me walking my Lab and French bulldog, at the gym, gravel biking between the counties or mountain biking with my family.