32 Fifth Avenue, P.O. Box 514, Shell Lake, Wisconsin 54871 | 715.338.3499
Jessica DeFilippo, CPM, Lm
Clinical Director
I believe birth to be a normal, natural process.
I believe in a mother's right to dignity in birth and that is is the family's privilege to choose a birth experience that suits their individual needs and preferences.
I believe that there are powerful forces operating in the birthing process that must be respected. My role as a midwife is not to control these forces, but rather to empower the parents, and work with them to affect the safest, healthiest outcome. Good nutrition and a positive outlook are cornerstones of a healthy pregnancy.
I also monitor the pregnancy and labor for indications that the mother or baby is in need of medical attention that I cannot provide.
My ultimate goal is the health and overall well-being of mother, baby and family. I truly feel it is an honor and privilege to partake in the event as important and highly personal as the birth of your child.
I invite you to come in for a visit, take a tour of the center and become part of our birth center family!
- Jessica
Kim Stiegleiter
Administrative Director
I joined LifeCircle Birth & Wellness Center in 2008 when the center opened it doors. I wanted to become part of this very special environment where our clients receive a level of personal attention and quality care that is truly non existent in today's health care environment.
At LifeCircle Birth & Wellness Center, you are not a number, the Doctor does not have to read your chart to get your name before they walk into the exam room. We know your name, we get to know you, your spouse, your children and often times other relatives as we work together towards a common goal - the best possible birth experience and overall health of Mom and Baby.
A typical exam is over an hour. You will not get that in any Doctor's office. Our midwives listen to you, take time to answer your questions and make sure you are well informed on any decision you make regarding your pregnancy and the birth of your child.
Helping to make a difference in our client's and community's experience with the center and all of it's services is what drives me to be a part of this truly one of a kind place.
Although I am not the most visible person at the center, I am diligently working behind the scenes to ensure clients receive the best care possible through our efforts to become an AABC accredited freestanding Birth Center and to keep our forms, news and website current
- Kim
Sherena Schloneger
International Cesarean Awareness Network
Northwest Wisconsin Chapter Leader
I am the mother of two beautiful daughters. My first was born by cesarean section after a planned home birth due to a breech presentation. I met Jessica and began working with Life Circle Birth and Wellness center in 2008 after becoming pregnant with my second baby as I began my journey to a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). In early 2009 I gave birth at home with Jessica as my midwife. My daughter’s VBAC birth was beautiful and very much a triumph for me. I consider it a privilege to have worked with a midwife who respects women and birth the way Jessica does.
During the last decade the number of women having VBAC’s has dropped drastically from the previous decade due to medical trends. In June of 2010 I became the chapter leader of ICAN of Northwest Wisconsin. ICAN’s mission it to prevent unnecessary cesareans, provide support for cesarean recovery and promote VBAC. I believe every woman who has had a previous cesarean has the right to the opportunity to birth vaginally. By educating ourselves and supporting other women we can promote options for birth and help prevent unnecessary cesareans.
Our local ICAN chapter meets the last Tuesday of each month at Life Circle Birth and Wellness Center. Any women interested in childbirth is welcome join us! We would love to listen to your stories and provide support for your individual birth choices!
Krista Cleary
Student
Krista attended her first birth in 2002 when she was invited to witness a friend’s homebirth. Since then she has attended births in both hospital and out-of-hospital settings as labor support, doula, assistant midwife and student midwife. She is currently pursuing licensure and certification as a Certified Professional Midwife. She is a student with the National College of Midwifery and has a temporary licensed midwife permit from the state of Wisconsin. She holds current certifications in neonatal resuscitation, adult CPR, and lactation counseling. The last few years have largely been devoted her ‘self-study’ of midwifery during which she’s been having her own children – birthing joyously at home with the help of midwives. When the opportunity arises, she finds herself at LifeCircle: teaching classes, helping keep up with the paperwork, and attending prenatal appointments. (As well as the occasional birth!)
Nicole Wenner
Aromatherapist
I started having interest in essential oils in 2004; I met a woman that showed me an user friendly book about essential oils. I took a couple of classes and learned how to make my own recipes and perfume.
I joined Young Living Essential Oils in January 2008. I attended more introduction classes to learn about this company, the oils they offer and their benefits. I knew that I was going to be sharing this information and offering classes. After offering classes, the Raindrop Technique also worked its way into my life and I now offer it to others also.
It is my intention to inform as many people as I can of the benefits that these oils offer. I invite you to experiment and enjoy the experiences that are available by using essential oils. Please check the Classes page of the website for my course offerings. I look forward to seeing you!
- Nicole
Lorrie Blockhus
Yoga Instructor
Lorrie is the owner and instructor of Om Sweet Om Yoga in Shell Lake, WI. Lorrie’s personal yoga practice began in the Iyengar tradition in early 2000. With regular practice, she experienced many of the benefits yoga has to offer in a short period of time and ultimately followed her heart into teaching. She went on to receive her YogaFit Level 1 certification in 2005 and is currently working on a 65 credit hour course with Integrative Yoga Therapy to deepen her understanding of the many therputic applications of yoga.
Drawing from her experience in the Iyengar tradition of yoga, Lorrie began offering private lessons in 2005, and alignment-oriented yoga classes in 2007. In appreciation of the unique qualities and benefits found in all styles of yoga, Lorrie added Yin Yoga and Vinyasa classes in 2011. She has worked with students of all ages and fitness/experience levels and is able to modify postures to keep things appropriate for people with health issues or reduced mobility while still challenging those who are ready for more. She continues to offer both private lessons and classes in the lowr level of LifeCircle Birth & Wellness Center and is availalbe for on-site group events.
