My name is Dallas Casillas, and I'm raising money for midwifery school.

I started birthwork in 2013 after the birth and postpartum experience of my first child left me reeling. I realized there was a great need for support in communities outside of the "typical" WASP families that had access to birth and postpartum support. I became a certified lactation counselor (BAI), a babywearing instructor (BWI), and eventually a certified doula (BAI). I always had a passion for midwifery and out-of-hospital birth and care, but never had the opportunity to move further into that path.

After the birth of my second child in 2023, I entered a new phase of birthwork as an out-of-hospital birth assistant. These past few years have solidified my love for this work, and the realization that accessible, inclusive, supportive care is desperately needed for the families who do not fit the typical structure.

I am ready to continue my education and become a licensed midwife, so I can continue to support families access the care they deserve, and I need some help in order to do so.

Unfortunately, most midwifery programs are not eligible for student loans or federal funding.

I have decided that the best school for me to attend is the National Midwifery Institute. This is an accredited school that will allow me to become licensed in the state of California. NMI uses a subscription-based system for their tuition, and it is a self-paced program. Because of these two details, NMI is going to be the most affordable program available to me.

The monthly cost of my education will be $625, for an annual total of $7,500. The minimum completion timeline is two years, which would bring the tuition cost to $15,000.

I'm asking for help to raise money for my first year of education, which will give me the opportunity to save for the second year.

Thank you for your support!