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Donations are critically important to allow us to provide access to train as many midwives from any socio-economic background as we can.
Acces to donations, such as yours, will provide us the means to offer scholarships for prerequisites and programs to our students.”
Commonsense Childbirth Director Jennie Joseph believes in providing a fair system of maternal health for all persons in the United States, and worldwide. Jennie speaks up for accessible services, certified training and above all, a world where no black mother is left behind.
The Shepherd Family Fellowship
The Shepherd Family Fellowship for aspiring midwives was developed by Jennie Joseph, eldest daughter of Sylvia Shepherd Joseph and niece of Yvonne Shepherd Hill, in order to honor and recognize the contributions to the field of nursing and midwifery by the women of the Shepherd line –
Nurse: YVONNE SHEPHERD HILL
Nurse: RUTH SHEPHERD BOURNE
Midwife: MARLENE SHEPHERD HERRIOT
Their dedication, excellence and leadership not only in their professional roles but within their family and community, are truly stellar and have created a legacy that Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery strives to maintain. We acknowledge the women and ancestors of the Shepherd family, many of whom will remain unknown, who have sacrificed themselves in service to healing and on whose shoulders we continue to stand.
This fellowship enables low-income and/or students of color an opportunity to pursue midwifery clinical externships through our school with an opportunity to participate in community-based advocacy and public health service in areas of critical need within the State of Florida, USA.
Donate to the Claudia Booker Scholarship
The Claudia Booker Scholarship was established to honor a lifetime of dedication to midwifery, birthing rights, and community care. Claudia stood as an advocate of birth, advocating fiercely for the right of every person to choose how, where, and with whom they give birth. Her passion for justice and culturally responsive care continues to inspire generations of midwives and birth workers.
This scholarship supports students in our founding state of Florida—home to the headquarters of Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery— the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia state area— Claudia Booker’s home area— and Puerto Rico who are committed are committed to transforming maternity care through culturally sensitive, racially congruent, and equitable practices. By removing financial barriers, we empower future midwives to carry forth Claudia’s vision of compassionate, community-centered care for all.
Your donation is more than a gift—it’s a stand for birthing justice, educational access, and the future of midwifery.
Join us in continuing Claudia’s legacy.
Interested in donating as an organization?
Please contact us directly to inquire about becoming a Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery donor.
$50
A donation at this level will provide a student with a transcript evaluation or one book.
$1500
A donation at this level will provide a student with their books and supplies for the entire program.
$150
A donation at this level will sponsor a student’s application fee, or a semester’s worth of books.
$2000
A donation at this level will provide a student with one semester of externship opportunities.
Programs
CCSM is proud to offer the following programs to meet the needs of aspiring midwives.
Become a Midwife in the United States
Hybrid Direct Entry Midwifery Program
The Hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery program follows the same Midwifery Core Curriculum as our standard Direct-Entry Midwifery program but is adapted to suit the needs of aspiring midwives across the USA. Our hybrid students will attend their academic courses virtually, clinical skills labs on campus during once a trimester workshop, and participate in a clinical externship in their local community.
Already a foreign trained midwife? Get your Florida Midwifery License
Pre-Licensure Program (Coming Soon!)
The Pre-Licensure Program is designed to prepare experienced foreign-trained midwives, as well as registered or licensed midwives from other states, for careers as Florida Licensed Midwives. The program focuses on the art of out-of-hospital birth, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a safe, independent practitioner.
Why Choose Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery?
Dedication to Diversity
CCSM believes that exposure to diversity will best prepare our students to serve all birthing people and families. Because of our strong commitment to equity and social justice, the school promotes non-discrimination in all its facets.
Unrivaled Educational Philosophy
We are dedicated to educating student midwives in the ancient art and modern science of midwifery practice. We believe that any student wanting to reach their goal will be able to benefit from the education CCSM offers.
MEAC Accredited
Our hybrid Direct-Entry Midwifery program at Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery was granted accreditation by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) on July 8, 2020. Our Licensure by Endorsement program is not accredited by MEAC.
Over 40 Years Experience
Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery founder Jennie Joseph brings over 40 years experience with the results to match.
Let’s Work Together!
CCSM is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education–Florida Department of Education. License Number: 4052 | Commonsense Childbirth Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded by Jennie Joseph in 1998.