Dream Team: Meet the Staff Members who Joined LWC in 2019

It’s always a reason to celebrate when we welcome a new staff member! Meet five of the amazing women who joined the LWC team in 2019.

Meet Carol O’Donoghue, CNM, Staff Midwife

I was introduced to midwifery at Familyborn, a birth center (now closed) in Princeton, NJ thirty years ago, and so working at LWC is like coming full circle back to the roots that sparked my passion for birth and women’s health. The fact that a free-standing, independent birth center in today’s world exists is not lost on me–and fuels my inspiration to help fulfill LWC’s mission.

I came to LWC after 10 years at HUP and, before that, three years at Chestnut Hill Hospital. I am also a family nurse practitioner and prior to Philadelphia, I lived and worked in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Ohio. I have been teaching a Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting class for the last three years, two of them at LWC. Our class draws students from LWC as well as non-LWC Philadelphia practices, even as far away as Delaware, New Jersey, Bucks County, and the Lehigh Valley. I live with my husband and two teenage kids in Mt. Airy. In addition to my mindfulness, I love running, yoga and can cook a pretty good dinner. Our family’s passions include lots of outdoor activity–rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping–all over the US and beyond!

Meet Kiera Masterpasqua, BSN, CLC, Office Nurse

Hi! I’m Kiera, one of the new Office Nurses at LWC. I have always had a passion for obstetrics, and have worked in a hospital setting for eight years. After having my first baby last year, I realized my appreciation for a more holistic approach to care, which is when I found LWC. In my spare time, I love hiking and camping with my husband, daughter, and dog. Thank you so much for the warm welcome, I love being part of the team!!

Meet Claudia Stemler, Receptionist 

My life goal was to be a midwife and catch babies; it’s been a dream of mine since before my boys were born. Life didn’t quite go according to plan so instead of catching babies I catch moms (and their partners). As a bereavement, birth and postpartum doula it made sense to come on board at Lifecycle WomanCare… if I am unable to be a midwife I can surround myself with them, fulfilling my heart’s desire in setting up families to succeed while serving and loving our clients. How blessed am I!?

When I’m not at The Birth Center I fill my time with baking, painting, gardening, traveling, and excelling in my fine foodie skills, but most of all loving my three boys, my joys. While they may all be in college they still make time to check in and hang out; we go on date nights, they are my favorite dates. Otherwise you can find me digging in my gardens and tending to my trees, working on home improvement projects or catching up with my friends.

Meet Aleeza K. Wachs, CNM, Midwifery Fellow

Aleeza completed much of her midwifery training as a student here, and had the privilege of giving birth here as well. She enjoys time outdoors, traveling, and laughing with loved ones. She is excited to join the team as LWC’s current Fellow!

Meet Tameika Waters, RN, BSN, Office Nurse

I became a nurse after having my first son at Lifecycle WomanCare in 2009 because of the great care I received. In addition to my position at Lifecycle WomanCare, I also work full-time at HUP on a Vascular Surgery PCU. I had my second child at Lifecycle in 2017. Working here is full circle for me. The care is phenomenal and inspiring. I’m so happy to be a part of the team.