Birth Assistants

Mallory Jones, BSN, RN, RNC-MNN

“I have had a love for babies ever since I was a little girl. When I was in second grade, I asked my mom what job I could have that I could work with babies all day long and she told me I could be a Nurse. So that is the career I set out to pursue. I went to Nursing school at Angelo State University and graduated with my Associates Degree in Nursing in May of 2012. I then went on to finish my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduated in December of 2013. In August of 2012, I was hired for my first and current job at a local medical facility on the Mother-Baby floor. I absolutely love working with these moms and babies: helping these new or experienced parents care for their newborn baby, teaching them the ins and outs of parenting a newborn, instructing mothers on their postpartum care, and assisting with breastfeeding.

“After working on my unit for a few years, my interest in the natural process of childbirth heightened. It is still so amazing to me how God made the body work to birth babies naturally and this has made me become more and more interested in being a part of this miracle. Someday I would love to go back to school to become a Certified Nurse Midwife.

“I married my wonderful husband, Terence in May of 2015 and in December of 2016 we welcomed our daughter Aliyah in this world. Then in May of 2020, we had our son Zechariah. We plan on having at least 2 more children, or however many more children God decides to bless our family with.  I very much look forward to working with Alex in assisting the mothers of Abilene welcome their wonderful bundles of joy in this world.”

Meagan Smith, RN

“I have been a nurse since 2020, with most of that time being in OBGYN. I went into nursing school not knowing where I wanted to end up, but after my OB clinical rotation I knew exactly where I wanted to be. Witnessing the beauty and vulnerability of birth changed my perspective on nursing. 

“My passion is for every mama to have the birth she desires and I'm so excited to be a part of the Heritage team, that is making that possible for the women of Abilene and surrounding areas. Caring for Women and their babies during labor and postpartum is such a privilege and I'm so thankful to work in a specialty that I love.  

“My husband and I were married in 2017 and in 2021 we welcomed our son, Judah. We are new to the area, and can't wait to see what adventures God has in store for us here.”

Misty Knutson, RN

 “Becoming a nurse had been a lifelong dream of mine. I became a mother at the young age of nineteen, so my nursing dream took a back seat for a while. After eighteen years as a police dispatcher and four children, I was finally able to follow that dream. In 2023, I attended Arizona College of Nursing in Phoenix, Arizona and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Shortly after graduation, I took a job here in Abilene at a local hospital and began my nursing career. I started on the cardiac floor but quickly knew that God wanted me somewhere else and took a position on the pediatric floor. I grew up in the church and believe that God has a purpose for each of our lives and being around young babies and their families reminds me of my purpose.  

 “My second oldest daughter is due in early November 2024 and has chosen a more natural birth plan. Alex was recommended to my daughter and her husband which has been a huge blessing. When we toured the facility for my daughter, I knew that God wanted me at Heritage Birth Center too. My heart has been so full watching the miracle of childbirth and am honored to be part of this team.”

Kara Blessing, CD

“When I was 15, I had discovered what a doula was, and I immediately fell in love with the profession. I’ve always loved helping others and had a deep interest in birth work. In 2022, I took the step to become a doula, and not long after I got pregnant with my daughter, Amelia. I loved getting to help other mothers achieve their ideal birth, while I was getting ready to have my baby girl. I actually had my daughter here at Heritage Birth Center, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Alex helped me have the best and safest birth possible. I’m lucky I now get to work with Alex as a doula and a birth assistant. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and bettering my skills, while working alongside my midwife.”