Fast forward five years, at 17, I would find myself stepping in again but in a bigger capacity as a kinship caregiver with my mother to my nephew, whose parents could not care for him then. Living with my mother, who worked full-time, I was the secondary caretaker of my nephew, who was 3-4 months at the time of placement. I recall getting up for demanding night feedings, sleep deprivation, and the pressure of caring for an infant. Very soon, I noticed an attachment started to build. I realized that I was in the position to lay a foundation of nurture and love, so I embraced my role as a mother figure at 17. At 18, I chose to stay local for college and studied Psychology. I had a lot of fun studying developmental psychology, learning about child development, and the great debate of Nature vs. Nurture; as I was writing college papers and studying, I was able to reflect and apply what I was learning to NURTURE the development of the innocent life God entrusted me with from infancy to preschool years.

As a wife and mother of 3,  I have reflected on my sister’s pregnancies and parenting journey and have learned so much. I have grown to honor my Mother’s and Grandmother’s stories as they navigated many life challenges. I have learned to build connections by embracing my mother-in-law and value extended family. Value is placed on understanding the impact of untold birth stories, infant loss, adverse childhood experiences, traumatic experiences, and other social issues on the effect on maternal mental health. As a Birth worker, I aspire to educate society about the importance of healing, the presence of the birth father, learning to ask and receive help building a village, and fostering healthy relationships within our communities, in addition to holding on to the foundation laid out before me by my late Grandmother, grounding us in faith in God and values that keep families united despite the shift of society. My experience has led me to have a deep passion for children and families, especially mothers, and to help others embrace motherhood by offering education and practical, emotional, spiritual, and physical support. 

Education and Credentials

Masters of Arts from the University of South Florida, Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology, Postpartum Doula training received from DONA International, Florida Infant Mental Health Endorsement as an Infant Family Associate, Training in Newborn TOUCH and Trauma-informed care for Early Childhood Providers.

Accomplishments and Experience

Over ten years of experience in the field of social services and education services. Experiences included working with vulnerable populations such as older people, teachers for children with special needs, developmental specialists for children in therapeutic foster care settings, foster parent coaches, In-Home Family Service, and adults with dual diagnoses of intellectual impairments and mental disabilities. Specialties include Early Child Education Coaching, Childhood Developmental Consulting, Family and Client Advocate, and Community Doula. All my accomplishments have groomed me to provide patient and passionate care.