Testimonials
Reflections of those who've journeyed alongside....
-Casey King-
I met Ruth Ann thirteen years ago when she became my midwife and guided me through delivering my son. The friendship that started then is one of my life's most cherished and valued relationships. One, because she is fun. Two because she is honest, and three because she consistently does not settle for mundane. She desires a challenge, is persistent in her pursuit of purpose, and is insistent that she siphon every ounce of knowledge from each experience she goes through. The Encyclopedia that is Ruth Ann consists of volumes on ancient survival skills, basic survival skills, homeschooling, child rearing, the history of childbirth, how to speak your truth, and my personal favorite, how to be vulnerable. She wants us all to live purposefully and thrive in an environment created from meaning. She has now become a weaver, combining these volumes of knowledge into one fantastic focus on the loom that is her life.
Dr. Stefanie Podlog Ph.D., RN, CCHW (Utah), Doula CD(DONA)
It is an honor to speak to the depth, breadth, and integrity of Ruth Ann’s work. As a colleague in midwifery education, I have had the privilege of witnessing her in action—as an educator, mentor, and fierce advocate for holistic education and earth-centered care. Ruth Ann brings a rare combination of wisdom, grounded presence, and a deep reverence for both tradition, transformation, and ethics. She weaves her many gifts—midwifery, mentorship, ceremony, and embodied leadership—into a powerful offering for those seeking guidance, healing, and connection. Ruth Ann shows up with unwavering authenticity and a profound commitment to service. Anyone who works with her will be met with grace, insight, and the kind of care that leaves a lasting imprint.
Megan Koontz, President Midwives College of Utah
Ruth Ann is an exceptional faculty member deeply dedicated to both healthcare and education. Her profound knowledge and genuine care for individuals shine through in her inspiring and engaging presentations, igniting a true passion for learning in her audience. Beyond her expertise, Ruth Ann brings a unique and invaluable approach through her specialization in ceremony, mentoring, and "walking with people on their journeys." This reflects her remarkable ability to offer profound support and guidance during significant life experiences, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging within our school. Ruth Ann is not only a highly accomplished and dedicated professional but also a truly wonderful colleague. Her positive energy and delightful sense of humor create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone around her. I wholeheartedly recommend Ruth Ann without any reservation. Her unwavering commitment and unique talents make her an invaluable asset to our community, and I am confident she will continue to make significant positive impacts in all her future endeavors.
-Gina Gerboth, CPM-
Ruth Ann is a dedicated and passionate educator, who has embodied our school's purpose to "Midwife the Midwife." She is compassionate and holistic in her approach to mentor others as they navigate their personal journeys. She always goes above and beyond her role as instructor; she continually seeks out new ways to improve her own skills so that she can bring fresh eyes and an open heart to her work.
Nellita Reeves, MCU Student
One of the biggest takeaways I will carry with me in the future is you, Ruth-Ann. Your spirit is unmatched, and you have inspired me beyond what this class has taught me. You have a revolutionary spirit when it comes to giving care to others, especially pregnant people. Listening to your experience and expertise, I will carry your words and your caring energy with me into the future. You make the journey seem lighter. You give compassion and empathy. I will miss you. Thank you for being such a powerful presence in the face of Midwifery education.
Eugenia Wolfe, RN, Mom
I met Ruth Ann over 7 years ago when she became our midwife for our 1st homebirth. She has now helped us welcome 3 babies into the world. Not only have I got to work with Ruth Ann as our midwife but I've gotten to work with her as a birthing assistant. She is not only an amazing person, but she is so caring, compassionate, and loving. She is an awesome teacher who takes her time to help others learn and grow. It never matters what I reach out to her about she always takes the time to help me, whether it be homeschooling, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum care, homesteading, nutrition, or just as a friend needing support. Ruth Ann is always there.
Angel Heldreth, Mom
Ruth Ann Colby Martin is a one of a kind midwife. She has been there for the birth of the last 4 out of 6 of our children. During our first prenatal visit with her, I knew without a doubt that she was the person I wanted in my corner for pregnancy and birth. She is extremely knowledgeable in midwifery, herbs, homeschooling, and homesteading. She is always respectful of a mother's wishes. She believes in informed consent and always presents all options for parents. Whatever decision they make, she is 100% supportive, a rarity in these times. She is kind and compassionate. She stood by our family through many difficult and heart wrenching situations. She goes above and beyond to support a family through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Ruth Ann is not only an incredible midwife, but a mentor and lifelong friend. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
I have known Ruth Ann personally and professionally for over two decades now and I could not recommend her enough to individuals looking to find a deeper meaning of self, specifically in spirituality and ceremony. Two of the many things that I appreciate about her work is her dedication to honesty and her ability to sit and hold space for individuals who are hurting and looking for direction.
-Shannon L Thomas, BA, HHC, Owner & Senior Teacher at OWY,
Outdoor Educator-
Ruth Ann Colby Martin possesses that rare ability to transform wilderness skills into life lessons that resonate deeply with everyone she teaches. Having had the privilege of being both a student of hers and then teaching alongside her, I've witnessed firsthand how she captivates both children and adults with her masterful storytelling—weaving personal experiences into educational narratives that both inspire and instruct. What truly sets Ruth Ann apart is her authentic approach to mentorship. She doesn't simply teach outdoor living; she cultivates confidence, especially among the generation of women she has mentored in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her students don't just learn wilderness skills—they discover their own capacity for resilience and self-reliance in the natural world. Ruth Ann teaches from deep personal experience, it's her genuine connection with the material which transcends… it’s not information, it’s wisdom. Whether she's working with excited children discovering nature for the first time or adults seeking to deepen their wilderness expertise, she meets each person exactly where they are and guides them forward with patience and insight. The impact of Ruth Ann's teaching extends far beyond the technical skills she imparts. Those fortunate enough to learn from her walk away with a lasting appreciation for our natural environment and their place within it. Her gift for teaching wilderness skills awakens something essential within her students—a connection to nature and to themselves that many didn't know they were missing. Her voice and perspective are exactly what we need in a world increasingly disconnected from nature and yearning for authentic guides to help us find our way back.
Rachel Hubbard Talley, CPM
-Melody Tincknell, Outdoor Educator -
Ruth Ann is an amazing mentor. She takes the time to explain and teach from her experiences and makes it easy to understand and learn from her. She is amazing at teaching all ages from children to adults. Through my time working with her I learned an exceptional amount, she mentored me personally, as well as modeled skills on working with kids. I learned about outdoor survival skills and ways to make and create things from nature, such as creating tinder bundles and dandelion fritters, and how to process and release tannins from acorns for cooking. I watched her mentor 12-year-olds to take them from students to move into leaders and more roles of teaching and training younger students. She is very thoughtful and diligent in her teaching and mentoring
Julie D.Hare, MD
Integrative Family Medicine Physician
Over the last 15 years I've had the privilege of knowing Ruth Ann as midwife, colleague, friend and teacher. It is the rare person that weaves all aspects of their life into a whole with the exquisite wisdom, clarity and courage as she does. Ruth Ann is an all around superior teacher, leader and healer.