Meet Our Staff
Brenda Keep
APRN, CNM, WHNP-BC
Founder, Executive Director, and Lead Midwife
Brenda Keep's journey in midwifery is a testament to her unwavering dedication and heartfelt passion for women's health. Raised in the serene landscapes of South Dakota before making Texas her home during her teenage years, Brenda's vision for midwifery was born out of a deep-seated desire to serve and empower women. Happily married with six children, seventeen grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren Brenda's personal and professional lives are intertwined with a shared commitment to nurturing families and communities. With over thirty years of invaluable experience across various healthcare settings, her expertise in women's health and labor and delivery spans a remarkable sixteen years. A proud alumna of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, Brenda earned her Bachelor's Degree in 2004 before furthering her education at Frontier Nursing University, where she obtained her Master's Degree in 2013. As a Certified Nurse Midwife/Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner, Brenda's mission is to extend compassionate care to women and their families in Waco and the surrounding areas. Having witnessed the miracle of childbirth in both hospital and home settings, Brenda's approach to midwifery is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman deserves to be an active participant in her healthcare journey. She champions the midwifery model of care, advocating for shared decision-making and empowering women to make informed choices about their health. An esteemed member of the American College of Nurse Midwives, Brenda is poised to join the American Association of Birth Centers, further solidifying her commitment to advancing women's healthcare practices. Her ultimate joy lies in realizing her dream through the Birth Center and Women's Health Clinic, where she endeavors to provide women with the birth experiences and healthcare they have always envisioned. Brenda's passion for women's health knows no bounds, and her steadfast dedication to serving the underserved stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to her calling. Through her work, she not only fulfills her professional duties but also embodies the heart of God, touching lives and spreading love and compassion within the community.
Mike Keep
Co-Founder, Vice President, and Maintenance Director
Mike Keep is more than just the Co-Founder and Vice President of Waco Birth Center and Clinic; he's a multifaceted individual with a heart for service and a knack for making dreams a reality. For over three decades, Mike has stood as a steadfast partner, unwaveringly supporting Brenda's vision with love and dedication. A true master of his craft, Mike's expertise in construction is evident in the meticulous attention to detail he brings to overseeing all improvement projects at the Birth Center. His commitment to creating a warm and welcoming environment mirrors his passion for nurturing families and fostering community bonds. In addition to his role at the Birth Center, Mike dedicates his time to his ministry, Walking In Freedom Waco, where he channels his compassion and spiritual insight into providing inner healing and deliverance to those in need. Witnessing families come together and thrive within the nurturing embrace of the Birth Center's home-like atmosphere is a source of immense joy and fulfillment for Mike. With a deep sense of purpose and unwavering faith, Mike believes that the children nurtured at the Birth Center are not only the future of their communities but also the catalysts for positive change in our states and country. His commitment to building a brighter future shines through in every aspect of his work, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he serves.
Kenzie Johansen
Assistant Director and Birth Photographer
Kenzie brings a vibrant blend of creativity, organizational skills, and a passion for capturing life's precious moments to her role as Assistant Director & Staff Birth Photographer at Waco Birth Center and Clinic. With a focus on program planning, operational optimization, and staffing coordination, Kenzie infuses every aspect of her work with dedication and innovation. Her commitment to enhancing internal operations ensures that the birth center operates seamlessly, providing exceptional care to its clients. Drawing from her deep roots in the midwifery community as one of Brenda Keep's many grandchildren, Kenzie brings a sense of familial pride and commitment to her work. A native of Waco and a graduate of Crawford High School, Kenzie's journey with Waco Birth Center & Clinic began shortly after her graduation in 2019, solidifying her dedication to her community's health and wellness. Outside of her professional commitments, Kenzie is an active member of Acts Church. Kenzie's passions extend beyond her professional and spiritual endeavors; she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, from savoring a cup of coffee to nurturing her garden and orchard. Embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle, she tends to her bees, chickens, turkeys, quail, rabbits, and her energetic border collie named Gambler. Her dream of owning a farm reflects her desire to share her knowledge and love of agriculture with others. Driven by a spirit of adventure and service, Kenzie has embarked on mission work to Haiti, Indonesia, and Brazil, with aspirations to explore more corners of the globe in the future. With her unwavering dedication to her community, her creative vision, and her zest for life, Kenzie embodies the values of compassion, stewardship, and resilience that define Waco Birth Center and Clinic.
Abby Webb
EMT-B, SCPM
Student Midwife and Receptionist
Abby is a dedicated student midwife undergoing specialized training under the mentorship of Brenda Keep, the esteemed lead Certified Nurse Midwife. As the eldest granddaughter of Brenda Keep, Abby carries on a cherished family tradition of compassionate care and expertise in midwifery. Alongside her professional pursuits, Abby finds immense joy in her roles as a devoted wife and mother to her two precious children. Abby's journey into midwifery began at a young age, as she eagerly assisted her grandmother Brenda in the early years of the birth center, serving as her trusted birth assistant for many years. It was during this time that Abby's deep-seated passion and love for midwifery care blossomed, inspired by witnessing the profound impact of holistic, woman-centered care on families' lives. Deeply rooted in her community, Abby and her family are active members of Acts Church in Waco, TX, where they contribute to fostering a spirit of compassion, support, and service. This commitment to community extends beyond her personal life, as Abby strives to provide holistic and personalized care to women and families throughout their childbirth journey.
Jennifer Meyer
Student Midwife and Social Media Manager
Jennifer is an aspiring student midwife undergoing specialized training under the guidance of Brenda Keep, a distinguished Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Her journey into midwifery began with a deeply rooted passion ignited at a young age when her mother's pregnancy sparked a desire within her to care for expectant mothers and their babies. She was redeemed as a wife in 2016 when she married her husband, Shane. Together, they are proud parents to six wonderful children, ranging from 26 to 8 years old, enriching her life with love, laughter, and invaluable experiences. Driven by her unwavering faith and belief in divine purpose, Jennifer views her path to Waco Birth Center as a calling orchestrated by God. With boundless enthusiasm and a compassionate heart, she is committed to shadowing Brenda closely, eager to absorb knowledge and skills while embodying the love and compassion of Jesus in her practice. Jennifer's journey in midwifery is not merely a career pursuit but a deeply personal mission to serve and support mothers throughout their pregnancy journeys, guided by her faith, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Sharea Johansen
HR Manager and Bookkeeper
Sharea Johansen is a multifaceted professional excelling as the HR Manager and Bookkeeper at Waco Birth Center and Clinic. With a keen eye for financial management, Sharea ensures the smooth operation of the birth center by overseeing all fiscal aspects while fostering positive relationships among clients, providers, and staff. Renowned for her exceptional communication prowess, she serves as a cornerstone of the team.Outside her professional endeavors, Sharea wears many hats with grace and efficiency. As the eldest daughter of Brenda Keep, she brings a legacy of dedication and excellence to her roles. In addition to her commitments at Waco Birth Center and Clinic, Sharea serves as the Worship Pastor at Acts Church. Balancing her career with her family life, Sharea is a devoted wife and mother of three, actively engaged in homeschooling her children and facilitating a homeschool co-op. With her diverse skill set and unwavering commitment, Sharea is a dynamic force driving positive change in both her professional and personal spheres.
Sheila Tickett
Billing Manager
Sheila is an integral part of the team at Waco Birth Center & Clinic, serving as the Billing Manager. She meticulously oversees all insurance billing operations, ensuring smooth financial processes for the center's clients. Sheila's commitment to supporting women during childbirth shines through in her passion for providing invaluable assistance and guidance. As one of Brenda's daughters and the youngest of her six children, Sheila's deep connection to the birth center's community is evident. Since its establishment in 2016, she has brought joy and positivity to her work, enriching the lives of those around her. A dedicated member of Acts Church in Waco, Sheila finds fulfillment in both her spiritual journey and her professional role. Outside of her work, Sheila enjoys spending quality time with her family and embracing spontaneous adventures. Her journey with Waco Birth Center & Clinic has not only provided her with professional fulfillment but has also enabled her to homeschool her daughter, reflecting the center's commitment to supporting its staff holistically. Sheila's unwavering dedication, coupled with her warmth and compassion, makes her an invaluable asset to Waco Birth Center & Clinic, embodying the center's mission of providing exceptional care and support to women and their families.
Alyssa Tickett
Office Manager
Since the opening of Waco Birth Center & Clinic in 2016, Alyssa has been a vital part of the team, serving as our dedicated Office Manager. From the moment you step through our doors, she welcomes you with a friendly smile, ensuring your experience is seamless and stress-free. In her role overseeing the front desk office, Alyssa manages scheduling, payment collection, client communication, and lab orders with precision and care. Proudly calling Waco, Texas her home, Alyssa's passion for childbirth has been a lifelong journey. As one of Brenda Keep's many grandchildren, she brings a familial connection and a deep-seated love for supporting mothers through their birthing experiences. With several years of experience in the office and as a medical scribe at births since the center's establishment, Alyssa's dedication to bringing new life into the world shines through in all she does. Outside of her professional commitments, Alyssa is an active member of Acts Church in Waco, finding fulfillment in her spiritual community. Her diverse interests span photography, knitting, and crocheting, talents she generously shares by creating homemade baby hats and clothes sold at the birth center. Alyssa's dreams extend beyond her current role; she envisions a life on her own land, surrounded by horses, where she can fully embrace her passion for homemaking. With aspirations to sell homemade bread, handmade clothes, and other crafts, Alyssa embodies the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship.With her warm demeanor, unwavering dedication, and boundless creativity, Alyssa is an invaluable asset to Waco Birth Center & Clinic. She exemplifies our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to our clients, ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors feels welcomed and valued.
Misty Tickett
Biller
Misty exudes warmth and professionalism in her role as one of our Billers at Waco Birth Center and Clinic. Responsible for handling insurance claims and ensuring clients understand their benefits, Misty specializes in Medicaid billing, providing crucial support to our clients. She creates a comforting atmosphere with her genuine care and attentive approach. As the daughter-in-law of our respected midwife Brenda, Misty shares our center's commitment to compassionate care and community service. Alongside her husband and three children, Misty has deep roots in Waco and prioritizes faith as active members of Acts Church. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Misty cherishes the opportunity to homeschool her son, a privilege she values deeply. Her dedication to serving women and families in Waco and the surrounding areas shines through in her genuine care and commitment to excellence. Misty's presence enriches our community at Waco Birth Center and Clinic, and we are privileged to have her as part of our team. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach make her an essential asset, ensuring that every client receives exceptional care and support.
Tonja Carpenter
IBCLC, RLC, PCD (DONA)
Tonja is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Registered Lactation Consultant, and a Postpartum Certified Doula with DONA International. She has completed the Master IBCLC Class, has completed training in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy with a focus on breastfeeding infants, and has completed a course in infant massage with a focus on basic myofascial release. Tonja is trained to assess oral lingual function in the breastfeeding infant using the Hazelbaker and Martinelli assessments, the Tethered Oral Tissues Screening assessment, and the Murphy Sweep. She has been serving families and making moms happy here in Waco as a postpartum doula since 2015 and in lactation care since 2017. Tonja owns Postpartum Doula and Lactation Services of Waco which partners with the Waco Birth Center to
provide skilled lactation care and support for patients using Superior Medicaid as well as several other major health insurance companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, United Health Care, Tricare, and Cigna to name a few. Lactation Services of Waco is in-network with Aetna insurance separately from the birth center. Tonja has a team of doulas who work with her through the non-profit organization she founded, Community Doulas of Waco, and has Laura Jouret, IBCLC on her team at Lactation Services of Waco. She is a Baylor graduate and has been married for over 28 years to Vincent Carpenter, Sr. who has been serving in pastoral ministry for over 30 years. Tonja’s passion is supporting the whole family, surrounding them with care, and making moms happy!
www.Happywacomoms.com
office@happywacomoms.com
254-753-1987
Dr. Bill Mitchell
MD
Consulting Physician
Graduating from Texas Tech School of Medicine in 1992, Dr Bill Mitchell received his board certification training in Waco before entering private practice where he lives in Clifton, Texas. He has accumulated over 1000 deliveries in his career, with an emphasis on a holistic approach to the care of the family, always striving to be the doctor God called him to be. He now utilizes his experience to consult in an advisory role for nurse midwives and nurse practitioners, and practices Emergency Medicine. While chasing the characteristics of a Renaissance Man and not going gently into that good night, he is a Father to 7, a Rancher, a Commercial Pilot, Competitive Archer, Bowhunter, Fitness enthusiast, Veteran, Writer, Musician and Teacher.
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