Barbara Ann Metzelaars

I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom when my two grown sons were young. When they went to middle school, I felt a strong desire to encourage and support women on their journeys through life. I decided to pursue nursing and returned to school to train for a new career. \n In the more than 30 years since then, I've served as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a RN in Labor & Delivery and in the ER, a family nurse practitioner and finally, a certified nurse-midwife. \n My approach to healthcare is to first get to know the patient in front of me. Each woman is unique, and I always begin by asking about her and her health goals. Women trust me with their healthcare because of my years of experience and how I share information in an easy-to-understand way. \n Through shared decision-making, I work with patients on establishing a plan of care they feel comfortable with. I provide education and guidance, but it's up to the patient to determine the best option for her. \n My husband and best …friend, Pete, and I have been married for more than 45 years and have two awesome daughters-in-law and six amazing grandchildren. They live nearby, and I consider them my favorite hobbies! I attend as many of their sports and school activities as I can and love spoiling them at the "cousin sleepovers" - complete with extra-large s'mores and other treats, swimming, tubing, games and more - we host. In my free time, I enjoy celebrating and growing in my faith, reading and watching "Law & Order" and other crime dramas.