Karen McEvoy Shields, CNM, MSN of Gentle Beginnings: Women’s Health and Birth Care, is a Certified Nurse Midwife in solo practice.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Science of Nursing from Rutgers University and her Masters in Science of Nursing and certificate in Midwifery from the University of Pennsylvania.

Karen has been on the graduate school faculty in the Midwifery Department of the University of Pennsylvania, as an instructor of intrapartum, postpartum and newborn care. She continues to supervise midwifery students in the clinical setting. She serves as board member of the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative, and an officer of Family Health Initiatives.

Karen is currently on staff at South Jersey Hospital, Elmer Division. Karen specializes in natural childbirth and waterbirth.

Member of the following professional organizations:

• American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM)

• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing