Alena’s Midwifery Education

Hi, My name is Asasiya. I’m the first Black NJ licensed Certified Professional Midwife and the first black CPM in PA (this is relevant, I promise!) When I first started my midwifery education, I didn’t have any examples of midwives that shared my background from whom I could learn. Since becoming a preceptor, I’ve made it part of my mission to help women like myself who are seeking to enter the field.

Alena Fontaine is a dedicated midwifery student at the MEAC accredited Midwives College of Utah. She is enrolled in their distance learning program for her didactic education and apprentices with me for her clinical experiences. Alena resides in Northern New Jersey, but due to the scarcity of independent midwives available to teach in her community, she commutes 1.5 hours weekly to learn with me. As a single mother of 5, Alena has made significant sacrifices to pursue her midwifery education. As a full-time student and mother to her five beautiful children, she is no longer able to work a regular job, having served as a director in childcare for ten years prior to beginning her journey to become a midwife.

In my time as Alena’s preceptor, I’ve witnessed her remarkable drive and dedication to her education and her children. She is strong, focused, and has not made excuses nor sought “handouts.” Having worked with numerous students in my career, Alena stands out for her confidence, quick ability to learn, and, most importantly, her sincere commitment to helping moms and parents. Her community would be blessed to have her serve as a midwife.

I am reaching out to request your assistance in making this dream a reality by supporting Alena through midwifery school. Your generous support will contribute towards covering the cost of her tuition, commuting expenses for clinic and births, and other related costs. Alena has just under 2 years left to complete her program, and this support will be used to bring her to the finish line.

Thank you!