Certified Nurse-Midwives

Ann Chevalier MS, CNM

Ann received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and then began her nursing career in Denver, working in both postpartum and labor and delivery units. She has been working with women and babies in Colorado since 1995. Her desire to assist women through pregnancy, labor and birth led her to pursue her Masters' degree in Nurse Midwifery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. Ann came to Exempla from a practice at Lutheran Medical Center in November 2003 and is one of the founding partners in the Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives practice.  She has practiced as a CNM for over 6 years.

Ann is dedicated to building trusting relationships with her patients and works to help remove the anxiety and fear that can often accompany pregnancy and birth. She enjoys helping women to see their pregnancy as an opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes and teaches her patients about nutrition, exercise and breastfeeding.

We are pleased to have Ann as a member of our Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives at Saint Joseph Hospital practice.

Mary Ann Rhode MS, CNM

Mary Ann attended the University of Colorado School of Nursing on a Boettcher scholarship, and later earned her master's degree in nurse-midwifery at Columbia University. Over the past 30 years, she has served as a faculty member and nurse-midwife at the University of Utah, the University of California at San Diego, and the University of Colorado. Mary Ann came to Exempla from Aurora Nurse-Midwives in November 2003 and is one of the founding partners in the Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives practice.

Research is one of Mary Ann's passions. Her research and publications have been mostly in the area of postpartum care. She hopes to eventually write a book devoted solely to the postpartum period. She recently completed a research project exploring the effect of discontinuing routine urine testing at prenatal visits.  This research was published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine in November 2006.   In addition, Mary Ann has served as faculty for nursing students, graduate students, medical students and residents.

The ability to provide choices in maternity care to medically underserved women and to deliver that care with respect for the human dignity and worth of each mother have been guiding principles throughout her nurse-midwifery career.

We are pleased to have Mary Ann as a member of our Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives at Saint Joseph Hospital practice.

Neko Upson, CNM, MS

Neko graduated from the University of Colorado School of Nursing in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and in 1998 with a Master's degree in Nursing.  She has been certified as a nurse-midwife since 1999 and has worked in a number of practices in the Denver metro area.  Neko joined the Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives practice in 2004 and is part of the Centering Pregnancy^TM team.  Neko also speaks Spanish and enjoys working with our culturally diverse patient population.

Neko describes her philosophy of care, "I really believe in safe but personalized care.  Labor and delivery is a normal process and I believe women should be well informed and have input into their care."  When not at work, Neko enjoys long walks, bike riding and spending time with her family.

We are pleased to have Neko as a member of our Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives at Saint Joseph Hospital practice.

Connie George, CNM, MS

Connie graduated from the University of Colorado School of Nursing Cum Laude in 1999 and Master of Science in Nursing in 2004.  She has been certified as nurse-midwife since 2004 and joined the Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives practice in January 2005.   She embraced the concept of Centering Pregnancy^TM care and facilitates Centering groups in English and Spanish.  Connie took the lead role in establishing a community outreach clinic in North Denver at Clinica Tepeyac. 

Connie's commitment to our Spanish speaking community led her to seek a three-week Spanish immersion experience in Mexico in November 2006.  Funded by the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, this focus on improving her Spanish skills has resulted in a dramatic increase in fluency and greater confidence in working with Spanish speaking women.  Connie states, "Listening to women is a hallmark for certified nurse-midwives and a critical component of my philosophy.  All women deserve the experience that they desire for their pregnancy and birth.  Education, family centered care and listening are valued in your care."

We are pleased to have Connie as a member of our Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives at Saint Joseph Hospital practice.

Martha Merrill-Hall, CNM, MS, JD

Martha graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loretto Heights College in Denver in 1976 and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado School of Nursing in 1984.   After practicing in a private nurse-midwifery practice in Denver for six years, Martha sought a graduate degree in law and graduated with a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law.  She continues to practice law in Denver.  Martha returned to clinical practice in 2000 and has practiced in both hospital and community settings.

Martha is committed to excellence in midwifery care to women and their families.  She encourages active participation in prenatal visits as well as during labor and birth.  Martha speaks Spanish and honors cultural diversity in our patients and families.

Martha joined the Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives at Saint Joseph Hospital practice in January 2007 and we are honored to have her as a member of our practice.