Leah Miller, CNM

About Leah

As early as high school, Leah knew she wanted a career in healthcare – though she was the first in her family to make that decision. Surrounded by parents and siblings who were educators and writers, Leah discovered passions for biology and taking care of others.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Goshen College, and her Master’s from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. During her nursing clinicals in college, she realized she had a love for obstetrics. “The first birth I observed as a student nurse was attended by a Nurse Midwife, and it was a magical experience for me,” she says. “I realized that I was more than happy to be awake at 3am to welcome new humans into the world!”

Today, Leah provides care for women throughout their lifespans, with a focus on supporting whole families during pregnancy through postpartum. Midwifery, she says, offers the opportunity “to maximize the body’s natural processes, only intervening with medicine when necessary. It includes clients as active participants in their care, and respects the autonomy and agency of every person we serve.”

Leah has always enjoyed being part of a collaborative, group practice, and believes healthcare providers make better decisions when they communicate with each other, rather than working in isolation. She recently joined the Beacon team after taking a break to take care of her own children – and is now excited to help other women on their unique journeys into motherhood.

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? All the midwives I’ve interacted with over the course of my midwifery training and practice. Each one has given me pearls of wisdom both for practice and life, and I appreciate their willingness to share with me.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was at the Goshen Public Library. It was very calming to methodically organize and return books to the shelves. And also, fun to see what other people checked out!

What is your favorite food? Anything curry based. I love spicy food! Movie? Shakespeare in Love

What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best: English Worst: Math

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My mom’s dad, Andy. He died when I was very young, so I don’t have many memories of him. But there are lots of family stories about him – apparently, he was quite a character! And it’s always interesting to me to learn about my family. It helps me understand myself.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I’m passionate about trying to live simply and buy local as much as possible. I’m on the board of the Maple City Market in Goshen, and love shopping at the Farmer’s Market. Also, I’ve been practicing and learning about Ashtanga yoga over the past few years. I enjoy cooking and eating new foods. And I love to travel.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I played the viola all through school, and even in college. In fact, I met my husband when we played together in a string quartet!