Maya Johnson

Maya (she/her) is a dedicated midwife and maternal-child health consultant with over fifteen years of international experience. Born and raised in Brazil, Maya’s journey into midwifery began in 2008 at the University of São Paulo, home to Brazil’s only direct-entry midwifery program. Driven by a passion for evidence-based care and a commitment to empowerment, Maya’s expertise spans the entire spectrum of family care, from prenatal and childbirth to postpartum and lactation. Her journey has taken her from public health clinics to private birth centers, where she has witnessed firsthand the challenges and inequities faced by birthing people. This experience fueled her mission to advocate for informed choice, respectful care, and better outcomes. 

Maya’s international journey continued as she pursued a Master of Arts in Maternal-Child Health Systems at Bastyr University in the United States. With a focus on improving maternal and infant outcomes, Maya’s projects have addressed the needs of targeted communities, empowering immigrants, and promoting birth equity through evidence-based practices. 

As a Licensed Midwife in Washington State, Maya has attended over 500 births, integrating her clinical skills with her commitment to advocacy and education. She has facilitated simulation training internationally with PRONTO International, positively impacting maternal-neonatal outcomes in Mozambique and beyond. Maya’s dedication to postpartum and lactation care has only grown stronger since the birth of her child. She currently offers home-visit services for postpartum and lactating families. 

Beyond her clinical work, Maya actively contributes to the field. She serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Department of Midwifery at Bastyr University. Her roles also include Board Member of the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC), and previous involvement with the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) in the Diversity and Equity Committee. She is a member of the Quality Management Program of the Midwives Association of Washington State. 

Maya has presented workshops, developed policies, and promoted equity within maternal-infant health. Maya’s dedication to the well-being of families extends beyond her professional roles. Her commitment to education, empowerment, and advocacy shapes her every endeavor. She envisions a world where every individual receives respectful and individualized care during the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. 

In her free time, Maya enjoys sharing her Brazilian culture, spending time with loved ones, and nurturing connections within her community.