Midwifery
Mac VanTIlburg, CNM, MSM (they/them)
Mac has been working in the Philadelphia home birth community since 2010 and in the Einstein health system since 2018. They received their nursing degree from Drexel and Midwifery education at Philadelphia University (now Jefferson). Baby Robin was born at home in 2017.
Mac is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) committed to reproductive justice, sexual health, and birth options in the Philadelphia area.
Autumn Nelson, CNM (she/her)
Autumn grew up in Germantown, in NW Philly where Philadelphia Midwife Collective is based. She went to the University of Pittsburgh and later attended Penn for her Midwifery degree. Since 2013, she’s been practicing out-of-hospital birth, starting in Hawaii before moving to Lancaster, Bryn Mawr, and now PMC. She’s been on the PMC board since 2018 and now serves as the Clinical Director and staff midwife.
Autumn’s path to midwifery was shaped by her childhood as one of five siblings, with her mother’s beautiful, unmedicated births leaving a lasting impression on her. She always knew she wanted to work in healthcare, more specifically birth, and it wasn’t until she stumbled upon midwifery that she found her true calling. She was excited to learn that her Great Great Aunt was also a midwife in North Carolina.
Passionate about providing care to Black women and Philadelphia families, Autumn is proud to be part of PMC and to serve her community in this meaningful way.
Payj Thommes, CNM (they/them)
Since joining the Philadelphia Midwife Collective (PMC) in January 2021, Payj has been a vibrant force for inclusive care, especially for the queer community. Their journey began as a live-in nanny, where they fell in love with supporting families during the joys of new parenthood. In combination with an unforgettable experience delivering sheep on a farm, Payj realized that midwifery was their true calling.
What truly fuels Payj’s passion for midwifery is their commitment to the pillars of midwifery, especially the aspects of “shared decision-making” and “patient autonomy.” They love walking alongside clients, providing the support and information needed to empower them in their healthcare journeys. Rather than leading the way, Payj believes in helping families chart their own paths, which fosters relationships of trust and collaboration.
Outside of midwifery Payj enjoys spending time with their dog, Tulsi and enjoys hanging out with their fellow midwives. Payj’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to inclusive care makes them a standout member of the Philadelphia Midwife Collective. Through their work, they not only enhance the birthing experience for families but also contribute to a more equitable and informed community.
Executive Director and Infant Feeding support
Stephanie Brown, IBCLC (they/them)
Steph is an IBCLC and reproductive health advocate. Born and raised in Los Angeles, they have made Philly their home since 2007 and currently live in Germantown. They are a staff lactation consultant at Jefferson Einstein Medical Center - Montgomery, facilitate two weekly community-based infant feeding support groups, operate a private practice seeing clients in their homes prenatally and postpartum, and are the executive director for Philadelphia Midwife Collective, a busy non-profit nurse-midwifery practice. Their professional work experience includes over ten years as a nanny, full spectrum doula, and educator for Maternity Care Coalition and BADT. They center queer and trans parents and have an inclusive practice that serves anyone and everyone. The work is home for them and they create that same safe space for clients. Steph offers evidence based, non-judgemental support and options through every feeding journey and choice. When not working, they can be found in the woods with their dog Peter or on the couch knitting next to their old cat, Lawrence.
See Services to schedule with Stephanie and find out more.
Chiropractic
Rachel pawlikowski, DC
As a chiropractor, Rachel adjusts people to optimize health and vitality. She is gentle, honoring, and thorough with her approach. She deeply respects the trust of her practice members and the families for whom she provided chiropractic care. Chiropractic has the power to facilitate essential healing in a time of great overwhelm and chaos. Rachel is honored to be a catalyst and facilitator of profoundly deep healing for people. It is a sacred trust that she does not take lightly.
Rachel went to St. Joseph's University where she became immersed in social justice issues and health care ethics amidst attaining her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services and playing collegiate level softball. During her studies, she became initiated in Reiki and learned the power of hands on healing. From there, she went on to study and practice massage therapy. Rachel began seeing a chiropractor and receiving chiropractic care, and it changed the paradigm of which she was living. These experiences initiated a healing journey she continues to discover.
Rachel went on to earn her Doctorate of Chiropractic at Life University in Marietta, GA. Since the beginning of chiropractic school she immersed herself in the study of Bio-Geometric Integration. She is also well versed in extremity adjusting, Network Spinal Analysis and Sacro-Occipital Technique. Rachel is Webster Technique certified for pre-natal chiropractic care and loves working with people of ALL ages. Life as a chiropractor is a beautiful, incredibly fulfilling life!
