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:

Routine Pregnancy / Prenatal Appointment

Natalya always takes the time to answer my questions and I never feel rushed through the appointment.

Pessary Insertion / Removal

Dr. Forest was very professional, kind, personal, and concerned.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Brimmage listened to what was going on with me and provided me with truthful options to get me back to feeling myself

Annual Well Woman Exam

Staff was courteous, respectful and my appt. was on time. Dr. Hunt is kind and and takes her time.

Annual Well Woman Exam

I was told by Dr. Fogle to make an appointment for an ultrasound to make sure my fibroid has not grown. She said to make it when I checked out. The person at the front desk said "we don't make those appointments they have to give you a call" . Why couldn't they make it?? I have a full-time job and business I don't have time to wait. Every hour of my day is planned for 11 hours. I was a bit annoyed. Dr Fogle is wonderful. She is a true professional and always take good care. Also, Roxanne make sure every year my mammogram is so easy. I love her. The front desk needs work.

Gynecological Ultrasound / Sonogram

Maggie is an exceptional provider—highly efficient, honest, intelligent, and direct in her communication.

Annual Well Woman Exam

The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The nurses were great The doctor hadvery beautiful smile.

Annual Well Woman Exam

I was highly satisfied at the level of service I received. From the time I arrived to the time I left, the staff was kind and very helpful.

Breast Exam

I was seen quickly, revived thorough and thoughtful care, and was treated kindly by all the staff.

Gynecological Exams

This was my first visit with Dr. Mody. She took time to review my history and asked questions. She listened to my questions and gave appropriate recommendations. She did not seem overly-rushed.

Pre-Operative Evaluation

Dr. Richardson explained everything that she was going to do and was very reassuring. She took time to answer all of my questions. She is kind, smart and caring.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Katie has a great bedside manner, just comes off very approachable and sincere.

Gynecological Problem Visit

Dr. Gray rages tune to explain benefits and risks of meds.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Denise Devine and her staff are very welcoming. She is very thorough and compassionate about your personal health. Everyone called me by my nickname which I really appreciated. Diefintely, a plus and attention to detail.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Dr. Cobb is great I really like him he is caring and kind i couldn’t ask for a better doctor. He is the best doctor I know

Fibroid Detection

I feel welcome and confident in my ability to talk about my anatomy and issues without feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed.

Annual Well Woman Exam

Excellent services from staff, Dr. Bovard and lab technicians.

Gynecological Ultrasound / Sonogram

Procedures done, issue addressed

Office Visit / Follow-up

I was able to get seen for a problem within a day or two. Both times I was seen for the problem, the NPs were very helpful, listening carefully and treating me efficiently.

Pap Smear

I appreciate Dr. Forest thoroughness in explaining my situation and the procedure being done. She is so friendly and would highly recommend her if you're looking for OBGYN.....