With over two decades of expertise as a certified Lactation Consultant and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2000, I bring a wealth of experience to the 20 Hands Maternal-infant Care Program. My background spans 29 years within hospital Obstetrical and Pediatric units, including 13 years dedicated to Bronson Hospital’s Breastfeeding Center. During my time at Bronson, I honed my skills in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing comprehensive care to mothers facing breastfeeding challenges through direct consultations, clinic visits, and diligent follow-up.
Currently, my role as a Lactation Consultant and Registered Nurse with the 20 Hands Maternal-Infant Care program allows me to focus on a deeply important mission: increasing breastfeeding duration among low-income and minority mothers. This program is vital in providing crucial support and resources to these communities, ensuring more mothers and infants can experience the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding.
Beyond my direct patient care, I contribute to the future of nursing as a full-time tenured Master Faculty Specialist at Western Michigan University Bronson School of Nursing. Specializing in Pediatrics and Health Assessment, I am also certified in Holistic Nursing and played a key role in Bronson School of Nursing’s Holistic re-endorsement in 2017. My commitment extends to mentoring the next generation of nurses through active involvement in the Empowered Success program at WMU Bronson School of Nursing.
My dedication to community health extends beyond my current roles. Prior to the pandemic, I served as a Board member for the Kalamazoo Safe Kids Coalition for many years, actively participating in numerous community safety initiatives. Furthermore, I contributed to the Southwest Michigan Lactation Coalition as a Board member, championing breastfeeding education, outreach, and advocacy throughout the region. My involvement also included serving on the Pioneering Healthier Communities Leadership Committee, where I helped organize annual health fairs at Sherman Lake YMCA. This diverse experience underscores my comprehensive commitment to maternal-infant health and well-being, which is at the heart of the 20 Hands Maternal-Infant Care program.
