
The Ashland Birth Center Story
Why a birth center in Ashland?
Following in my mother’s footsteps, I, Savita, began a primary midwifery practice in 1992. I moved to the Ashland area 22 years ago and continued to attend home births within an hour of my home. Over the years, as my practice grew, I found myself catching babies during the heaviest snowfall season in Herbster, Cable, Ironwood, and Duluth and had families traveling nearly three hours seeking my services. In 2012, it became apparent that we needed a home away from home.
Midwife Dana Churness began working with me in May of 2012. Together, we found a beautiful Victorian mansion that today serves as Ashland Birth Center’s headquarters. It is centrally located and 1.5 miles from our local hospital. The Ashland Birth Center has allowed us to grow our practice and be more intentional and proactive about the care we provide. Over 300 families, in the first six, have found services and support at the Ashland Birth Center. We thank you for the opportunity to serve your families!
Meet Your Midwives

Savita Jones
Primary Midwife, CPM, LM
Savita believes that a safe and satisfying childbirth experience provides an excellent foundation for taking on the responsibilities of parenthood. As a midwife, Savita seeks to help families access information, make sense of issues, think about their preferences, and put a safe and thoughtful care plan into place.
Savita is a second generation, Wisconsin Licensed Midwife. Her mother, Virginia Priest, has been at the forefront of midwifery in Wisconsin since the early 70’s.
Savita began her own primary care practice in 1992 and has attended over a thousand out-of-hospital births. She holds several professional and advanced certifications and is a student preceptor for her professional organization. Savita served as Treasurer for The Wisconsin Guild of Midwives from 2010 – 2016. She remains active for the advancement of Midwifery within her community and nationally.
‘I wish families well as they embrace the opportunity to be informed about their health care and encourage all families to view this special time in life as sacred.’ -Savita

Heather Prekop
Midwife, NRP, ACLS, BLS
Heather Prekop knew she wanted to be in the birthing world early on in her career, and it all started with the birth of her close friend’s son in 2002. Heather went on to become a Registered Nurse in 2006 where she then worked in many settings until she realized that her dream was to become a Midwife. She followed her dream by going back to school and graduating as a Nurse Midwife in 2021. Heather has held her NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Provider) since 2021, ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) since 2020, and BLS (Basic Life Support) since 2006.
Heather believes her role as a Midwife is a privilege where she is able to support individuals and couples through the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Heather feels that the role of a Midwife is to be an educator where evidence-based information is shared so patients and loved ones can make the best-informed decisions for their families, thus allowing them to feel safe and empowered throughout their entire birthing journey. “Midwifery is more than just a job for me. It’s my true purpose and calling. I’m in awe at the strength and beauty that birth possesses with just gentle support and encouragement.” Heather has experience in both hospital and home births and looks forward to caring for families during this special time.
Meet Our TEAM

Amaris Andrew-DePerry
Student Midwife, Doula

Penny Charette
Traditional Midwife, Doula











