Our Story

Gather Nourish Rise™ was born out of recognized need to support mothers along the journey of motherhood.  As a midwife I am witness to the incredible power, tremendous sacrifice, and immense love of mothers. I also witness the deep and often gut-wrenching transformation that women transcend to open their hearts and bodies to these beautiful beings.

In working with mothers over the last 20 years…

I have never seen a woman not have a challenge! Our culture would have us to believe that we if we have a challenge, or something doesn’t go as planned, we have failed.  

The challenges we incur in becoming a mother (for the first or tenth time) do not define our weaknesses, they exist to make us stronger.

Women often experience isolation, loss of self, and carry pain from their experiences of trying to conceive, birth and mother.  Our culture does not recognize the inherent opportunities to transform oneself through the challenging journey of motherhood and to honor the life-changing experiences as beneficial to one’s emotional and spiritual development.

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As a midwife Joni serves as a guide during the journey and transition to motherhood, and helps empower women and families through the process.  She has worked with thousands of families over the last 20 years. In addition to midwifery, Joni is trained in Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®, Holistic Pelvic Care™, Havening Techniques®, and as a Council Carrier.  She also brings knowledge of complementary modalities such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition to her work. Joni is a graduate from Columbia University’s, Spirituality Mind Body Institute with a master’s degree in psychology. 

Joni has had the honor of witnessing true transformation and the power of spirit. Integrating evidence-based healing modalities and neuroscience, Joni works with women to heal from familial and medical trauma and helping women to thrive from trying to conceive through menopause.

Joni is the founder of Circle of Life Midwifery, a homebirth midwifery practice serving Connecticut, and of Gather Nourish Rise providing healing therapies and products for mind, body and womb. 


Services

optimal fetal positioning

Abdominal Massage
& Pelvic Care

pregnancy postpartum support

Consultations
& Support

women's circle group workshop

Workshops
& Circles

 
Over the course of four years, Joni supported me through miscarriages, pregnancies, and birth, and provided me with holistic pelvic care. Pelvic care was key in helping my body relieve tension in strained and neglected areas during and after pregnancy. In her gentle and thoughtful way, Joni targeted areas that I did not even know were tight, and after sessions I felt both physically and emotionally relaxed. It was particularly helpful as my body healed after birth.

Joni was compassionate, reflective, affirming, and empowering throughout my female journey and consistently demonstrated her knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. She is truly meant to do what she does!

I am beyond grateful to have had Joni’s expertise, wisdom, and care during such an important chapter of my life. Any woman would be lucky to cross paths with her and to have her guidance and support.
— Kristin Smith