FSTM STAFF
Jessica Baynes, LM, CPM
EXECUTIVE Director
Jessica Baynes is a proud graduate of FSTM, a graduate of Chowan University and a native of Virginia. She is the youngest of three siblings and has always held deep ties to her family, who have been her greatest source of love and encouragement. Jessica’s faith in God has been the foundation of her journey, providing her with strength, guidance, and purpose every step of the way. The calling to midwifery began when she was just five years old. She vividly remember telling her mother that she wanted to be “a lady that delivers babies.” Even then, her parents nurtured that dream, believing in her passion and helped set her on the path that led her to where she is today.
Carmen Mojica, CPM, LM Regulatory and Compliance Coordinator
Carmen Mojica is an Afro-Dominican woman, born and raised in the Bronx. She is a certified professional midwife, educator, writer, and reproductive justice advocate. She utilizes her experience as a midwife to educate on reproductive health, maternal wellness, and healing from trauma.
Heather allen, LM
PROGRAM Director
Heather is a licensed midwife and FSTM graduate. Midwifery and home birth was normalized at a young age as she heard her Grandfather tell the stories of he and his 6 siblings all born at home with the care of a midwife. She was drawn to pursue a career in midwifery after the birth of her first child at home with a midwife. Heather lives in Gainesville with her husband, kids, and a dog. When not working, you will find Heather exploring the National Parks or watching the birds at the backyard feeder.
SOREll pagliara, LM
Clinical coordinator
Sorell is a licensed midwife and a graduate of The Florida School of Traditional Midwifery. Her exposure to the loving and expert care of midwives began with the home birth of her siblings. She was led to midwifery as a career after the birth of her daughters, Willow and Juniper. Working with local midwives she has attended home birth and birth center births in her home town of Gainesville, Florida and the surrounding area since 2012.
Melissa Pierre
financial Aid Coordinator
Melissa is a birth doula and holds a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida. Prior to her work with FSTM she worked as an English teacher in Jacmel, Haiti and as a campus manager at the Artists Institute in Jacmel. Melissa is married with 3 children. The birth of her first born sparked her interest in birth work. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Tim bryant
Business director
Tim Bryant has worked in non-profit finance for 10 years and is excited to serve FSTM students, faculty, and staff as Business Director. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of One Love Prison Meditation Project, a non-profit supporting people who are incarcerated.
COURTNEY JULIEN, LM, CPM
Student Success Coordinator
Courtney graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in women’s studies where her interest in out of hospital care and midwifery began. In 2014, she began studies at the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery where she obtained extensive training and developed a skill set on prenatal, labor and postpartum care. Courtney is passionate about changing the disproportionate statistics for people of color during the perinatal period and helping students of color find their voice and representation in the birth community. Courtney is happily married and has a sweet baby girl. Courtney’s personal experiences are what motivate her to keep doing this work! Courtney currently works as a full time midwife at Labor of Love Birth Center in Tampa FL.