I have always looked at pregnancy and birth as a natural process. It just made sense to not interfere unless there was reason to. That being said, I didn't know much about midwives or doulas when I had my children. My birth experiences with all three were the catalyst that caused me to seek out doulas and midwives. I didn't have bad or traumatic births, but they weren't what I wanted either. Shortly after having my daughter I came into a circle of friends who were birth advocates, home birth mamas, a wonderful tribe really. This is where I learned about what I missed out on. I decided to take a doula training in February of 2010 and jumped right in! Then I had the privilege of working with midwives at some of these births and I knew what I was destined to do. Midwifery truly does choose you. In December of 2011 I was offered an apprentice position with Home Birth Midwifery Service under the training of Kim (Mosny) Lane. While she was in VA I trained alongside her in both home and birth center birth. She then moved to Utah to catch her first grandbaby.
December of 2015 I reached out to Kim, who had relocated to Houston TX to be a staff midwife at a birth center, to see what her thoughts were on me coming to TX to complete my apprenticeship. Her reaction was “OH my gosh!!! I literally just thought the same thing yesterday! I even said out loud 'I wonder if Ashley would move here'". It gave me chills. I knew that this was the next step in my path to fulfill my calling of becoming a midwife. I came to Houston in July of 2016. I completed all my clinical requirements for NARM within a year. Then, another change in the path. I moved to Austin to accept a position at a prominent birth center as a birth assistant. I received my NARM Certification in June 2018 followed by my Texas License. I am eager to serve this growing community during their childbearing years for years to come.
Ashley Cochran, LM CPM IBCLC
I’m a true-crime loving Texas native, raising 3 very funny children with my wife. I haven’t met a cup of coffee I don’t want. I grew up the oldest of 5 children in a sometimes homeschooled, always loud household of people who still genuinely like each other as adults. I served in the US Army prior to the birth of my children. I came to birth work largely by accident, after the birth of my second child, when I began to advocate for people's ability to birth vaginally after a cesarean section, having just done it myself. Finally, someone said, "You know, people do this as a job?" Say less. I completed my apprenticeship in 2019 and have additional expertise as an Integrated Lactation & Feeding Specialist, Babywearing Educator, Spinning Babies fetal positioning and I am starting to dive into herbal medicine. I am honored to care for birthing people in Texas and affirm their rights to safer, more empowering birthing experiences through trauma-informed, consent centered midwifery care.
Ruthy Kerr, RN
Ruthy Kerr, a seasoned registered nurse since 2017, excels in diverse healthcare settings, including labor & delivery, postpartum medical/surgical, oncology, and home health. Currently, she plays a pivotal role at Hill Country Birth and Wellness, showcasing versatility as an office assistant, Registered Nurse, and Birth Assistant. Ruthy holds certifications in ALS, BLS, and NRP, reflecting her commitment to maintaining high standards in patient care.
Dr. Summer Silva, Doctor of Chiropractic
I am married to my best friend and college sweetheart, Brenton. We welcomed our first baby with a home birth in May of 2019. I am a holistic chiropractor with a special focus in serving pregnant women and children. I grew up in Colorado and moved to the panhandle of Texas in high school. I'm also the 3rd of 7 kids! Growing up on a farm, I was raised that everything, from the land to all our farm animals, has the ability to heal and self-regulate. I attended Sul Ross State University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I attended chiropractic school at Parker University in Dallas and became passionate about serving families after a mission trip to Haiti. I specialize in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic (Webster Certified) with additional training and certifications from the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), but serve people of all ages from all walks of life. I had wanted to be a chiropractor since I was in high school after seeing how much it improved the lives of several loved ones. It wasn’t until after I was already in school and attending the birth of my nephew when I realized how much I loved women’s care from preconception through post menopause. In addition, being blessed in experiencing the beauty and challenges that come with pregnancy and birth, I realized how important chiropractic care was during this special time for not only myself, but my son as well! I am in absolute awe seeing how amazing our bodies are designed and how they perform as an entire whole; being a part of something that unleashes the ability for us to be our best has been one of the most amazing and un-regrettable paths I’ve been guided to. My mission is to build an empower a healthy community and break this focus of an outside in approach to health. I am honored to be an element in serving those who seek a health-FULL lifestyle and well-being.
Dr. Katie Castillo, PT
Hi! I’m Katie Castillo, a licensed Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer in the state of Texas. I moved to Texas from Wisconsin to attend Baylor University (Sic ‘Em Bears!) in 2011 and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2015. I then attended University of St. Augustine in Austin, graduating with my Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2018. After a 5 year stint in the outpatient hospital based world and the birth of my son in 2023, I decided to my open my own Mobile Physical Therapy Practice with a special emphasis on pregnancy and postpartum women. I have always had a passion for mothers and babies. This was only intensified with the birth of my son, and the greater understanding of the impact pregnancy has on the female body. My mission is to help mothers improve function during and after pregnancy so they can be the best version of “Mom” they can be for their children.
Marlene Mogavero, RDMS, RVT
I am a board-certified sonographer and the owner of On-Site Mobile Ultrasound PLLC. It is my pleasure and honor to collaborate with the valued clients of Hill Country Birth and Wellness. Certified through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) with a specialization in OB/GYN, I bring two decades of experience in the ultrasound field. My journey started in California, where I dedicated seven years to working in hospitals before venturing to establish my own mobile ultrasound business. Over the years, I have collaborated with various clinics, offering OB/GYN, primary care, and urgent care services. While I was born and raised in Texas, I spent 30 years in California before returning to my home state in 2021. In 2022, I initiated my second mobile ultrasound business. My admiration for midwives; personalized, natural, and holistic approach to the birthing process has led me to make a dedicated choice – I exclusively work with midwives in Texas! I am steadfast in my commitment to delivering top-notch client care through clear communication, ensuring a personal and informative ultrasound experience. It is a special privilege for me to reveal to expecting parents the precious sight of their little one in utero.
"Ashley was amazing! Throughout the entire experience, she was there. She helped keep me and my husband strong and she provided so much support from beginning to end. Without her, I don't think I could have had the natural birth that I wanted. She was always easy to reach via email, text, and/or phone call. She answered all of my questions and even provided support with things that she didn't have to help with, like all of my breastfeeding questions as a first time breastfeeding mom! I was really impressed with how much Ashley helped us. I would definitely recommend her to anyone!" -V. Love