In October 2006, at the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) conference in Baltimore, Maryland, a group of midwifery educators and supporters came together to identify the need for and the goals of an organization that would facilitate strong connections and collaborations among midwifery educators. At this historic meeting, the Association of Midwifery Educators (AME) was born. From that time forward, AME has undertaken the mission of advancing direct-entry midwifery education by strengthening schools and supporting teachers & preceptors through connection, collaboration and coordination.
AME has benefitted from the consistent leadership and guidance of Justine Clegg and Mary Yglesia since its inception, with other members moving on and off the Board of Directors over the years. Under their guidance, the organization has developed stability, a shared vision, and a strong plan for serving the midwifery profession. The Board of Directors believes that AME is now in a position to begin the next phase of its growth.
Mary Yglesia has moved into the role of Interim Administrative Director for AME to help build a foundation for hiring an Executive Director in the next year or so. We’re thrilled to have her expertise in this intentional work. We have exciting ideas for growing the organization and for building the professional supports that our members have told us they want.
Throughout the remainder of 2017, we will be making some changes to our organizational bylaws to revise Board of Directors’ terms so that AME’s structure is reflective of a standard, stable and mature organization. We’re also looking forward to welcoming student members and a public member to our Board. Look for our call for nominations soon!
Wendy Gordon, LM, CPM, MPH
President, Board of Directors
Association of Midwifery Educators