Specialization
Maternity Care, Childbith, Organization of Integrated Care, Complex Adaptive System, Transition Science
Focus of research
I am a psychologist, PhD candidate in Midwifery Science at Amsterdam UMC, and an experienced strategic advisor in organisation of integrated maternal and newborn care (MNC). With a background as a primary care midwife and leadership roles in regional and national maternity care governance, I now focus my academic and professional work on understanding and supporting organizational transformation in MNC systems.
My research investigates the variation in organisation and its underlying mechanisms—and how both the structures and mechanisms relate to outcomes: health outcomes for mother and child, experiences of women and professionals, and healthcare costs. I approach this through qualitative methodologies, including participatory action research, systems thinking, and causal loop diagramming. I am particularly interested in how complex dynamics—such as collaboration, power relations, professional positioning, and language—shape care delivery and the position of midwives and clients.
What drives me is the belief that women and midwives should hold a central, equitable role in how MNC is designed and governed. This calls for a paradigm shift from industrial, biomedical, and hierarchical models toward care that is relational, inclusive, and rooted in trust, equity, and physiology.
My ambition is to contribute to a sustainable, health-promoting system by bridging science, policy, and practice.
I am always open to connect, collaborate and exchange knowlegde, feel free to reach out!