STAFF
TRŪ is staffed by a team of midwives who are as passionate about natural birthing as they are skilled in delivering the highest levels of care. TRŪ began a national search to recruit some of the most experienced and caring professionals. Midwives were hand picked to join the team from California and Alabama as well as from right here in New Jersey.
Clara P Surowitz, MD, FACOG
Medical Director
Dr. Surowitz obtained her M.D. from Ben Gurion Medical School in collaboration with Columbia University and completed her residency training at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. She has been in private practice in Lakewood since 2009. In her career, she has delivered approximately 4,000 babies.
Dr. Nancy Vaughns, DO, FACOG
Dr. Nancy Vaughns is a board-certified obstetrics & gynecology specialist with over 9 years of experience in the medical field with a strong interest in robotic surgery. She graduated from UMDNJ in 2013 and did her residency in Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI, where she received numerous awards for her service. Dr. Vaughns provides a complete spectrum of support for women in all stages of life with exceptional expertise and sensitivity. She is known for her genuine compassion and dedication in providing women the ob/gyn care they need and deserve.
Cassandra Garcia, CNM
Cassandra Garcia has enjoyed her fantastic 22+ year career as a Certified Nurse Midwife. In 2021, Cassandra expanded her education with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. She recently relocated to New Jersey from the Central Valley of California to expand her career and birth location possibilities for the women and families she cares for. Passionate for women having choices, Cassandra thoroughly enjoys how women choose to give birth their own way at the birth center. She is proud to be a part of Tru OB/gyn for the community of Lakewood and beyond!
Shana Amason, CNM
Shana came to Tru after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Midwifery in 2022. Shana’s career in women’s health began soon after the delivery of her first son, which inspired her transition in specialties from surgical/ trauma ICU to a labor and delivery nurse in 2016. As a nurse, Master’s student, and Certified Nurse Midwife, her approach has always been governed by her desire to make mothers feel empowered and respected in their birthing experience and to help guide mothers and their families through the process with not only expertise but empathy. Shana moved to Beachwood, NJ with her husband and two sons from their home in Mobile, AL in order to begin her time at Tru. She enjoys spending her family time exploring and discovering everything about a very different part of the country.
