Brielle Pedersen-Skene was born and raised on Vancouver Island. Inspired from a young age, Pedersen-Skene knew what her future career was after her younger brother was born at home using midwives. In 2021, she moved to Alberta to begin her academic career in MRU’s Bachelor of Midwifery program.
Throughout her time in university her peers and professors have remarked on her unwavering commitment to the profession and the broader community. Pedersen-Skene served as the midwifery cohort representative leader through all four years of her degree in addition to acting as the student director for the Alberta Association of Midwives.
We caught up with her to ask her a few questions about her time at Mount Royal.
Tell me a bit about yourself — what led you to apply to the midwifery program at Mount Royal?
I became interested in midwifery at the age of four after my mom used midwives with my brother and had a home birth. I was specifically drawn to the MRU midwifery program because of the smaller class sizes, which would offer lots of hands-on learning.
What was your first year like and what stands out to you most when you reflect back on it?
First year feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. I started the program while we were still navigating the impacts of COVID, so most of our classes were online. I really appreciated the in-person labs we had, that’s when my cohort truly connected and grew the close bond that we still have today. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. We started not even knowing how to take blood pressure, and now, four years later, we’re graduating as primary care providers. The amount of growth in such a short time is remarkable. The program really teaches you a lot.
How would you say you grew personally in your time at MRU?
MRU taught me to believe in myself. Before I was accepted into the program, I had people tell me I wouldn’t be able to become a midwife. But being in this program allowed me to prove my resilience and determination. I learned to trust my abilities and to push through self-doubt. Although challenging at times, I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for this program.
What lessons did you take away from Mount Royal that you maybe didn’t learn in the classroom?
Some of the most valuable lessons I learned weren’t in textbooks — they came from the relationships formed with clinical instructors and clients. I learned how to hold space for others, how to truly listen and how to lead with empathy. These lessons will stay with me far beyond graduation as I start my career as a registered midwife.
What excites you most about midwifery and the career path you have chosen?
Every day I get to make a difference in the community. I see the need and desire for midwifery. Being a client's safe space to walk with them through this journey is so rewarding. From the first prenatal appointment, to watching parents see their baby for the first time, to the six-week discharge, you build such a strong connection with clients, which has a lasting impact on everyone.
How do you think you will carry MRU with you as you leave and head into the workforce?
A piece of my heart will always be at MRU. I’ve built strong relationships with students across multiple cohorts and will continue to cheer them on. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from incredible clinical instructors, and I look forward to giving back by supporting future students in the same way — as a mentor and guide.
Where do you plan to (or want to) work in the future?
Through my clinical placements, I discovered a passion for rural midwifery, which ultimately led me to stay in Southern Alberta. This summer, I'll be joining the midwifery clinic in Medicine Hat, where I had the privilege of completing my final placement. I'm excited to begin this next chapter, continuing to support and grow alongside the communities that inspired me so much as a student midwife.
How does it feel to be graduating?
It feels surreal. When you work so hard for something and finally see it come to life, it’s an incredible feeling. This journey has been challenging, but reaching this milestone feels like the biggest reward.
What would you say to anyone considering applying to this program?
Trust the journey. No matter what life experiences brought you here, you’re here for a reason. It won’t always be easy. There will be days of doubts, days that test your limits, days where it feels like the road ahead is too steep. But those are also the days that will shape you, strengthen you and remind you why you chose this path in the first place.
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