Our Team

“There is no better job in life than serving women and partnering with them in the well-being of their family.”

Wallene’s journey with midwifery began over 20 years ago with a hug. After four physician-directed hospital births, she thought she knew all about birth, but was astonished when she had an opportunity to see a friend’s home birth. It was at her friend’s first visit with her Certified Nurse-Midwife named Beah that she was able to see the personal relationship between them—and that the visit began and ended with a hug. During the time of her friend’s pregnancy and after her birth, she knew she wanted to offer the same type of care Beah did. That led to a journey of many years, starting with 3 home births of her own, raising 8 children, nursing and midwifery school, then working as a labor and delivery nurse for 7 years. Although she worked for 10 years in hospital practice, she has never forgotten her dream of working one on one with women in their passage to motherhood. No matter if it is your first baby or your eighth, every woman deserves a personal relationship with the one who is their guide and “lifeguard” through pregnancy and birth.

When you come to the birth center or she comes to your home for your birth, you will likely find her with knitting needles and a ball of yarn making a hat for your baby. For many years, it has been her practice to give each new baby a hat made by her. Wallene believes that birth has its own process, and she has observed that the calm produced by seeing her knit or crochet a hat while waiting helps that process along.

Every day she walks with women through their journey, she is reminded of how strong women are and what miracles are wrought through us. 

“I love being a part of the most joyful moments of people’s lives.” 

Rachel Mast is an Idaho Licensed Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife. She graduated from Birthwise Midwifery School in 2012 after completing her clinical training here at New Beginnings Birth Center. She has attended over 600 births!

Rachel has experience working for non-profit, Mercy in Action, in their mission to improve maternal and infant mortality rates throughout the world. Her job as a midwife has taken her all over the globe to countries including the Philippines and India.

Rachel is passionate about training midwifery students. She has worked as academic faculty at a nationally accredited midwifery college and has been the preceptor for many students.

Rachel married her husband Joshua in 2016. In 2022 they became parents when Rachel gave birth to their son, at home with Midwives. Their daughter was also born at home. Rachel and Joshua are the founders of Homage Lifestyle, with the mission to see more families enjoy the many benefits of organ meats. Rachel enjoys strength training, listening to podcasts, spending time at the river, and good coffee.  

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Tracy is an Idaho Licensed Midwife, Certified Professional Midwife, and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. She graduated from Mercy in Action College of Midwifery in 2018.

For Tracy, midwifery has always been a calling, not simply a vocation. She spent 28 years with Costco Wholesale and, although she loved the company and her career, she always felt there was something more she was meant to do. After much prayer, Tracy felt God strongly leading her toward midwifery. At the age of 57, she retired early from Costco and returned to school to pursue her calling as a midwife.

Tracy completed her clinical training at New Beginnings Birth Center, where she developed a deep passion for individualized, relationship-based care built on a foundation of informed choice.

In 2018, Tracy became the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Boise River Birth Center, where she served families for four years. In December 2025, her journey brought her full circle back to New Beginnings Birth Center. Tracy says returning to New Beginnings feels like coming home, and she loves being part of a team that shares her commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care to women and families.

Tracy has been married to the love of her life, John Hagadorn, for 24 years. Together, they have a blended family of seven children, including a set of VBAC twins. They are also the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

“My greatest joy is walking beside women and their families, reminding them of the strength and faith God has placed within.”

Sharon’s passion for healthcare and serving people was inspired by her grandfather, a missionary physician who established clinics in Swaziland and India, and her parents, who serve as missionaries in Portugal. In 2001, she moved to the U.S. from Portugal to pursue a degree in nursing. Witnessing the birth of her nephew and supporting her sister during labor confirmed her desire to pursue a career in birth work.

Her journey to midwifery has included serving families as a doula, teaching childbirth classes, volunteering at a pregnancy center, and working as a labor and delivery nurse for 15 years. This passion led her family to the Treasure Valley, where she connected with an amazing community of midwives and OB/GYNs who helped her achieve her dream of becoming a nurse-midwife.

Sharon has been married to her husband for 21 years and has two sons and a daughter. She enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, spending time in nature, good coffee, and meaningful conversations with friends. She and her family also enjoy their small-farm lifestyle, raising animals and growing healthy food.

Sharon is passionate about empowering women to trust their bodies, embrace their strength, and approach birth with confidence while providing compassionate, individualized care that honors each family’s unique journey. Joining New Beginnings Birth Center has been a dream come true, bringing her into a community that closely reflects her values and beliefs.

“I find it hard to say goodbye after the babies are born.”

Sheila Taylor has worked as the Office Administrator at New Beginnings Birth Center since December 2010. She is likely the first person you will encounter whether you call the office or walk through the door. After establishing a bond with our clients by welcoming them into the birth center, answering their calls, and engaging in conversation while clients wait for their appointments, she finds it hard to say “goodbye” after their babies are born. 

Sheila is an Idaho girl – born and raised in the Treasure Valley, primarily in Greenleaf, Idaho. Her work experience has included being an Obstetrics Unit Secretary, Nanny, School Secretary, and Birth Doula. She and her husband, Duane, are parents to three grown children and recently welcomed their first grandbaby into the family. Among her favorite things are reading, baking pies, traveling, and gathering family and friends around her table.

“I feel so blessed to be a part of the journey, capturing the first precious moments of a growing family.”

Jessica’s journey into sonography began long before she stepped into a classroom. During both of her pregnancies, she experienced preeclampsia and required frequent ultrasounds and extra monitoring. Those appointments became more than routine checkups—they were moments of reassurance, encouragement, and connection during an uncertain season. The compassion and care she received from her own ultrasound technologist inspired her to return to school after the birth of her first daughter and pursue a career where she could provide that same experience for other growing families. After welcoming their second daughter, Jessica and her family relocated to Idaho in 2022, where she has continued pursuing her passion for caring for expectant families.

Now, as an Ultrasound Sonographer with four years of experience, Jessica loves combining her passion for medical imaging with her heart for caring for others. She understands firsthand the excitement, anticipation, and sometimes anxiety that can come with pregnancy, and she strives to make every ultrasound a joyful, comforting, and memorable experience.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters, hiking Idaho’s beautiful trails, photography, baking (especially perfecting sourdough), road trips, and being involved in her church and local community.

Jessica is currently pursuing her ARDMS registry in Idaho and is honored to walk alongside families as they experience one of life’s greatest blessings.