Birth Center Team

Birth-Services-Banner.jpg

Karen DeWitt, ND

Naturopathic Physician & Midwife

I believe strongly in our body’s innate capacity to heal, and as a naturopathic physician and midwife, I feel that it is my role to guide this process with minimal intervention. I utilize therapies that support the body’s capacity to heal, including nutrition, botanical medicines, lifestyle changes and homeopathy. I also realize there are situations when greater intervention is needed and use pharmaceutical drug therapies when necessary. I am comfortable managing patients on multiple medications. I believe that as individuals, we each have the greatest control over our own health and wellbeing, and I see myself not only as a physician but also a coach, motivating and empowering my patients to prioritize healthy choices.

A strong background in biology, chemistry and research, balanced by a firm belief in the innate wisdom of the natural world, guide my practice of pediatrics, women’s health and reproductive health, including fertility treatments, preconception health and care through pregnancy and childbirth. I also specialize in primary care for children with behavioral disorders including ADHD, working with a network of local specialist providers to find solutions that allow balance and success for these children.

I am currently accepting new primary care patients (adult and pediatric), birth and prenatal clients, and adults with ADHD.

Dr. Karen Celeste DeWitt is a licensed naturopathic physician and midwife practicing family medicine and midwifery at Canyon Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Leslie Hamlett, ND

Naturopathic Physician & Midwife

Dr. Leslie Hamlett gives you control of your health while providing your body with the tools it needs to heal. It is important to her that her patients understand their bodies and the processes of health or disease that they are experiencing; patient education is as important as optimizing physiology.

“To me, being a naturopathic doctor and midwife is about forming relationships with people by listening, understanding and continually asking why: why does a person have these symptoms, why does she feel this way, why are these patterns present? I provide the kind of care I would want for my own family and friends, using a compassionate, safe and individualized approach.”

Dr. Hamlett was drawn to medicine from an early age. Her family espoused fresh air, whole foods and restful sleep as the backbone of a healthy life. Within this framework, Dr. Hamlett learned that an effective medicine is one that is personalized and participatory, always maintaining the goal of gently preserving equilibrium. She believes that there is always another level of wellness to achieve.

Dr. Hamlett received her B.S in Psychobiology from UCLA. It was during these undergraduate years that Dr. Hamlett realized the interrelationships of mind and body and their effects on health. She is a graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine where she received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine and certification in Natural Childbirth. Dr. Hamlett’s practice centers on pediatrics, aesthetic medicine, PRP, women’s health, naturopathic midwifery and minor surgery. She loves to help build healthy families, whether in the form of preconception programs, fertility work or through well child visits, watching the babies she delivered grow up.

Dr. Emerald Mansfield, ND

Naturopathic Physician & Midwife

Dr. Emerald Mansfield’s practice is focused on midwifery, women’s health, pediatrics, and bodywork (craniosacral and Holistic Pelvic Care™). Her intention is to serve families in helping improve their quality of life. Each patient is unique and her treatment plans focus on collaborating for better health, often utilizing a combination of lifestyle, natural and conventional medicines, and bodywork.

Her interest in birth began at the age of sixteen when she witnessed her first birth and was left in awe of the birth process and power of the female body. A career in naturopathic medicine was a natural choice because it encompasses midwifery, and reinforced her belief in prevention. By working with growing families she can be of long-term service to families.

She received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Certificate in Natural Childbirth from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), the nation’s oldest surviving naturopathic college in 2014. She has been attending births since 2011, and received her midwifery endorsement by the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Physicians in 2017.

Dr. Emerald lives in Beaverton, Oregon with her son and daughter. Most of her free time is spent dancing or teaching bachata, with her children, at her church, traveling, and watching Star Trek. She enjoys learning new things and sharing what she has learned.

Dr. Sayvi “Renee” George, ND

Naturopathic Physician & Midwife

Dr. Sayvi “Renee’ George is a Naturopathic Physician and Board-certified midwife who believes in giving patients the ability to be in the driver seat of their health care. She loves taking the time to educate patients on the innumerable naturopathic modalities available in their treatment including nutrition, botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, as well as pharmaceuticals. “I am a firm believer in our bodies ability to heal itself when properly supported. My job is to provide the blueprint to help guide my patients towards the healthcare goals they wish to achieve.” Currently, her practice focuses on pediatrics, women’s health and midwifery.

Dr. George was born at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and grew up in the US Virgin Islands.  As a child, she always had a passion for helping people and was quickly drawn to a career in medicine. While her original plans involved attending a traditional medical school and becoming an OB/GYN, things shifted course after she learned about Naturopathic Medicine and its philosophies around patient care. These philosophies modeled things she was exposed to growing up from using herbs for treating colds and flus to massage and physical medicine techniques to help treat a sprained ankle and she knew this was how she wanted to treat patients. Dr. George obtained a degree in biology from the University of the Virgin Islands before relocating to Portland, Oregon where she graduated from the National College (now University) of Natural Medicine. 

When she is not managing patients at the clinic, Dr. George loves spending time outdoors, cooking, playing video games, hanging out with her Shih Tzu Oreo and spending time with family and friends. 

Dr. Vanessa Lyon, ND

Naturopathic Physician & Midwife

(Not Currently Attending Births)

Dr. Vanessa Lyon is a Naturopathic Physician who specializes in women’s health, midwifery/natural childbirth, pediatrics, and mental health medication management. Over the last several years, Dr. Lyon has dedicated a large portion of her time to caring for those with hEDS, MCAS, and POTS.  In addition, she maintains a general family practice that can see the whole family for acute or chronic medical care. Dr. Lyon believes in meeting each patient where they are at, tailoring treatments to each patient’s lifestyle and needs.  When seeing Dr. Lyon you can expect a variety of modalities to be used including bio-identical hormones, botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. She graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine, where she completed a mentorship in women’s health, which focused on gynecology, infertility, thyroid disorders, chronic care, and autoimmune disease. While attending NCNM, Dr. Lyon also completed a two-year course with the New England School of Homeopathy and a three-year externship specializing in natural childbirth and pediatrics.

Dr. Lyon was born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT.  As a child, her mother instilled the importance of a healthy-lifestyle through nutrition, natural medicine, and exercise.   After discovering a love of the Northwest, Dr. Lyon moved to Portland, OR to attend the University of Portland.  There, she obtained a degree in psychology and biology, with the intention of going to medical school.  While attending UP, Dr. Lyon  participated in the development of research manuals and protocols for the Helfgott Research Institute, affiliated with the National College of Natural Medicine.  It was at this time the door to natural medicine was opened. 

When not seeing patients, Dr. Lyon loves to spend time with her family and too many animals to count, where they enjoy camping in the Northwest, gardening, cooking, reading, and raising chickens.



Dr. Nadia English-Williams, ND

Naturopathic Physician & Midwife

(Not Currently Attending Births)

Dr. Nadia English-Williams is a dedicated Naturopathic Physician and Midwife, committed to empowering her patients with knowledge for optimal health. Specializing in nutrition and botanical medicine, she guides patients through various conditions from neonatal to adult stages. She pursued her passion for medicine at Spelman College before completing her training at the National University of Natural Medicine.

Driven by her passion for serving her community, she is an advocate for health and wellness for all and strives to reduce further harm to communities that have been historically marginalized and economically disenfranchised. Dr. Nadia believes that vibrant health begins with a harmonious relationship with our environment. Through her holistic approach, she seeks to enhance the well-being of the folks that she works with, addressing not only physical symptoms but also the underlying imbalances that contribute to illness.

Currently pursuing a second doctorate in Applied Medical Anthropology, her research targets maternal health disparities, particularly among Black women. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nadia cherishes family time with her husband and children and indulges in gardening and nature exploration.

Healthy Mother,
Happy Baby

There is a deep-rooted importance in the way babies enter the world. It impacts their health and subsequently the health of our families, communities and the world at large. Our midwives strive to help create healthy families, empowered mothers, and respected babies.

Our team of naturopathic midwives share the goal of optimizing your health during pregnancy.  They also share the goal of creating the healthiest babies.  

Call 503-252-8125 to schedule a free consultation and meet them in person.