Ellen Howard

Ellen Howard, CNM

Overall patient rating:

Book Appointment Laurel OB/GYN

Languages Spoken By This Provider:

English, Spanish

Accepts New Patients

Telehealth Appointments Available

Education

Undergraduate School: University of New Hampshire

Hospital Affiliations

Mission Health System, including the Memorial and St. Joseph’s campuses in Asheville, NC

Ellen Howard has over 15 years of nursing experience and has been a certified nurse midwife with Laurel OB/GYN since 2016.

Ellen was born and raised in New Hampshire and attended the University of New Hampshire to study nursing, obtaining her B.S. in Nursing from UNH in 2004. She finished her final semester of coursework working and living on a Navajo Reservation in Shiprock, NM.

Ellen worked for the IHS, gaining valuable clinical and social experience while also exploring the beautiful southwestern United States. While in nursing school, a friend gave her a worn copy of Ina May Gaskin’s Spiritual Midwifery, and this writing inspired her to pursue a career in Midwifery.

Ellen moved to Asheville in 2004 as a registered nurse practicing primarily in women’s health at Mission Hospital. A few years later, she pursued her dream of becoming a midwife at East Carolina University, obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Midwifery in 2010.

Before joining the physicians at Laurel OB/GYN, Ellen practiced as a CNM at New Dawn Midwifery in Asheville from 2011 to 2016. She has also welcomed babies as a CNM in Sylva, NC, delivering with Smoky Mountain OB/GYN at Harris Regional Hospital from 2010 to 2011.

Ellen Howard has attended over 600 childbirth deliveries throughout her career and strives to honor each woman’s individual birth plan while providing safety for her and her baby.

She is very knowledgeable about gynecology and contraception options (including natural family planning), and enjoys counseling women on the topic of family planning.

Ellen has always had a passion for travel and visiting new places. While in midwifery school, Ellen studied abroad for a summer in Puebla, Mexico taking an immersion Spanish language course. While in Mexico she was afforded the special opportunity to visit labor and delivery units and meet with local midwives working at a freestanding birth center. She has found that the ability to communicate with patients in Spanish has been invaluable while working in the medical field.

Ellen enjoys spending time with her family, taking trips, and camping. When Ellen isn’t at work and spending time with family, her favorite hobby is dancing. She loves to contra, swing, and salsa, and enjoys the vibrant dance community here in Asheville. She lives on the sest side of town with her spouse and daughter.

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating for UWH of The Carolinas:

Annual Well Woman Exam

YES.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Low wait time and very nice staff

Annual Well Woman Exam

I love seeing Dr. Benavides. She is such a warm person, she listens and answers all of your questions.

Annual Well Woman Exam

A very positive and relaxing visit because Dr. Heinaman is always very upbeat and reassuring.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Mammogram, practically no wait until I was ushered into a room. Tech was nice and efficient. Arrival was easy (both upstairs and down) and front desk efficient and hospitable. I was moved quickly to a room and had a brief wait before Dr. Hunt came in. Dr. Hunt is easy to talk to and is a good listener. My visit was short, thankfully, because I had no issue for it to take longer.

Gynecological Problem Visit

The wait time was not long and my doctor listened to my needs and I didn’t feel rushed.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Williamson always shows that she cares about my well-being.

Pelvic Pain

Dr. Beasley was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Most importantly, she listened to me and clearly explained my options.

Annual Exam

Did not have to wait too long.

Annual Well Woman Exam

I love Dr. Flanagan. She is so kind and takes the time to listen. I don't feel rushed with her at all.

Office Visit / Follow-up

I love Dr. Carlton. Her and her nurse are always so friendly and patient.

OB Care

Dr. Flanagan is very friendly and welcoming. Fortunately, I had no questions for her but would have felt completely comfortable addressing any questions or concerns I might've had at my appointment.

Obstetrical Ultrasound

It felt like there was a set "program" in place for the first ob/gyn appointment. Scheduling of the appointments and setting up the ultrasound, dr. appt, ob nurse all back-to-back was helpful!

Annual Well Woman Exam

Seeing Dr. Hamilton and her staff is always a pleasure. Best doc around!

Annual Well Woman Exam

Every body is always so nice. First time seeing Dr Moody she was great

Obstetrical Appointment (routine)

Jomeka was very professional and patient and was able to answer any concerns that I had

Gynecological Problem Visit

Dr. Welch was very understanding and answered all my questions.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Staff and doctor very friendly and thorough.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Prompt efficient visit Enjoyed conversation with Dr. Williamson

Gynecological Problem Visit

The dr I had had a great bedside manner.