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Welcome to The Root

Health & Wellness for Women and Families

MARY A. HENDERSON, LM, CPM

Beyond Conception Midwifery

Clinical Director, Senior Midwife

​Mary Henderson attended the Arizona School of Midwifery in Tucson and graduated in 1980.  She trained in Phoenix with several midwives and was licensed in 1981.  Mary also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Arizona State University. 

 

Mary has attended over 2000 births and is well known here in the Valley.  She is the mother of 5 children, 4 of whom were born at home.  She also has 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

 

She is an advocate for women’s and family health, working collaboratively with practitioners throughout the Valley to provide the best care available to all her clients.  

 

When not at the office, you will run into Mary at local eateries, the farmer’s market or sitting at a neighborhood coffee shop enjoying a book, newspaper or a People magazine.

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Meet Sarah Green, CNM
Sacred Wild Midwifery

Nurse Practitioner Midwife

I am incredibly experienced in this Sacred Wild process for women on their journey through the transitions of womanhood as it relates to wellness and health, fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, menopause, and everywhere in between. I have served as a birth worker since 2009 as a nurse, doula, and midwife. I’ve traveled around the world working in these capacities and providing education and learning from so many other wise and experienced teachers—women, mothers, & midwives. I’ve also witnessed it and taken part in it myself as a woman birthing myself into motherhood with the homebirth of my own daughter. 

 

Much of my life has involved diving into profound and sacred spaces, into the subtleties, into the similarities and differences of how women/people of different backgrounds make their transitions into womanhood and motherhood, from maiden to crone, expanding themselves in every direction, in every way, and embodying the most powerful creative force that exists. 

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Meet Shana Gorman-Dunn, DC, RN
Thrive Chiropractic

Perinatal & Family Chiropractor

 Hello!! I founded Thrive Chiropractic after being part of a successful chiropractic practice in Washington State. I am a graduate of Parker University in Dallas, Texas and hold both a B.S. of Health and Wellness and a Doctor of Chiropractic. 

 

​Additionally, I am a Webster Certified chiropractor and have completed the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association’s postgraduate education courses. I hold advanced education in cranial sacral techniques, myofascial release, and prenatal adjustments. 

 

After experiencing the birth of my daughters, I aim to share my passion for chiropractic care for babies by helping families deal with some of the challenges of parenthood. Our bodies are physical, mental, and emotional machines and like all machines, our bodies need to be taken care of. Especially if we hope to keep up with our children.  

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I look forward to taking care of all members of the family. Modern families function the best when every member is healthy.

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Meet Che Phifer, CPM, LM
Agape Blooming Midwifery

Holistic Midwifery Care & Homebirth

Hello! My name is Che and I’m a wife and mother of three grown boys. I am privileged to serve the birthing community as a home birth midwife. I've earned a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from Mercy in Action College of Midwifery. I’m nationally credentialed as a Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives and I'm licensed by the State of Arizona.

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For over 20 years I worked in emergency services as an EMT, 911 operator, and dispatcher. In that time, I was honored to care for people from many communities during the most challenging times of their lives. In that time, I  worked to organize programs to teach diversity and inclusion. I believe in giving my clients the tools to support their pregnancy through education, evidence-based practice, true informed consent, bodily autonomy, and support for personal choice. It is my true honor to walk with you through your journey.

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Meet Seva Simran Khalsa, LAc
Khalsa Acupuncture & Healing

Acupuncture, Bodywork & Holistic Health Care

Hi, I'm Seva Simran Singh, L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist and holistic healer dedicated to helping you achieve optimal well-being. I believe in the body's innate wisdom to heal and offer a personalized, integrated approach to support your journey towards a fulfilling, vibrant life.

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I began my study of health & healing in 2001 when i got sober at age 19. My  more formal training began in 2004. Today, I combine acupuncture, therapeutic bodywork, and bio-energetic feedback to address a wide range of health concerns, including: stress relief, emotional balance, pregnancy support & women's health, fertility, pain management, sports injury & surgery recovery and spiritual support.

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My practice is rooted in the understanding that true healing encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic aspects of your being. I am passionate about empowering my clients to take an active role in their healing process, providing education and guidance to cultivate lasting well-being. It is always an honor to support individuals and families on their healing journeys, especially during times of growth and expansion. I look forward to serving your health & wellness needs.

Meet Melissa Christenson, CNM, WHNP-BC
Mother Nurture Midwife

Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Hello! I'm Melissa Christenson. Connection is paramount to my practice. I believe building a trusting relationship with each family fosters a positive birth experience. My journey began as a doula, offering heart-centered support that still shapes my intuitive, woman-centered approach to midwifery today. I offer unique support like personal breakthrough coaching and integrate Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques, helping you prepare for an empowered, confident birth.

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 I specialize in home and physiologic birth, always prioritizing your autonomy, informed choice, and the spiritual significance of your journey. I'm deeply passionate about postpartum wellness, ensuring you feel supported, seen, and equipped for this incredible new season.​

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After earning my Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2019, I spent five years providing midwifery care in hospitals. This experience deepened my conviction that helping women deliver their babies at home is a powerful way to reclaim birth as the sacred, transformative experience it was meant to be.

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Beyond midwifery, I enjoy teaching prenatal yoga and am passionate about homeopathy, herbalism, and thoughtful supplementation for natural wellness. When not with clients, you'll find me with my husband and two young daughters, hiking Arizona’s trails, practicing yoga, and enjoying the outdoors.

Meet Audra Gordon, CPM, LM, RD
Over the Moon Midwifery

Certified Professional Midwife and Registered Dietician

Hello! I'm Audra, a wife and mother to three adventurous children. My journey into midwifery truly began when I was just 10 years old, fueled by a strong ancestral tie to my great-grandmother, who was a traditional midwife in the Deep South. As long as I can remember, I've felt a deep passion for helping families achieve a positive birth experience.

My training toward midwifery began long before I became a Midwife. I've had the privilege of serving families as a Birth Advocate, Birth & Postpartum Doula, and a Certified Childbirth Educator. My background as a Registered Dietitian also allows me to offer unique prenatal and postpartum nutrition support. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from Midwives College of Utah and hold a Master's in Nutrition Science from the University at Buffalo, SUNY.

My own home birth, being one of the most empowering experiences of my life, solidified my dedication. Empowering other families through home birth is now my greatest passion. I am honored to serve you in this sacred process.

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