FirstHealth OB/GYN with Southern Pines Women’s Health Center Expands Care Team with Addition of Four Certified Nurse Midwives

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. - FirstHealth OB/GYN with Southern Pines Women's Health Center has expanded its women's health services team with the addition of four certified nurse midwives (CNMs), further strengthening access to comprehensive, personalized care for women and growing families across Moore County and surrounding communities.

Meet the New Certified Nurse Midwives

Certified Nurse Midwives Lauren Carriker, Catherine DeGraeve, Karen Johnson and Tiffany Thompson recently joined the practice, bringing a combination of advanced clinical training, experience and a shared commitment to patient-centered maternity and women's health care.

Lauren Carriker, CNM

Lauren Carriker, CNM, earned her Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Midwifery and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and an associate degree in nursing from South Piedmont Community College. She has more than 14 years of nursing experience with FirstHealth, including two years in the cardiovascular ICU and 12 years in labor and delivery, where she supported hundreds of families during childbirth. As the first midwife to join the practice, Carriker, who cares for patients at both the Southern Pines and Rockingham clinics, helped establish and shape the midwifery program and its continued growth.

Catherine DeGraeve, CNM

Catherine DeGraeve, CNM, earned her Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Midwifery from East Carolina University in May 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in Naperville, Ill., and an associate degree in nursing from Sandhills Community College. As a new graduate midwife, DeGraeve brings fresh training and a passion for supporting women and families throughout pregnancy and beyond at the Pinehurst clinic.

Karen Johnson, CNM

Karen Johnson, CNM, earned her Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Midwifery from East Carolina University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Richmond Community College. She previously served two years as a certified nurse midwife at Nash OB/GYN. Before becoming a midwife, Johnson spent 13 years as a labor and delivery nurse with FirstHealth, giving her deep familiarity with the health system and the community it serves. Johnson serves patients at the Pinehurst clinic.

Tiffany Thompson, CNM

Tiffany Thompson, CNM, is a decorated Army Nurse Corps officer with more than 20 years of military service. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from North Carolina Central University and her Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Midwifery from East Carolina University. Thompson brings extensive leadership, clinical expertise and a strong commitment to caring for women and families. She cares for patients at the Southern Pines and Hoke clinics.

Together, the expanded team enhances the clinic's ability to provide collaborative, evidence-based care alongside physicians and advanced practice providers, offering patients more choice and greater access to midwifery services.

Comprehensive Women's Health Services Across Moore County

FirstHealth OB/GYN with Southern Pines Women's Health Center provides a full range of women's health services, including obstetric and gynecologic care, prenatal and postpartum care, and midwifery services. To learn more or schedule an appointment with a certified nurse midwife at one of our clinics in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Rockingham or Raeford, visit www.firsthealth.org/pregnancy or call (910) 692-7928.