I am a native of Fayetteville, born at Cape Fear Valley Hospital and graduated from Douglas Byrd High School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Accounting from THE best HBCU, Fayetteville State University (#attitudecheck) and my Master’s in Teaching from the University of Southern California.
I’ve formally been in lactation and received my lactation training at the very FIRST accredited lactation program, the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative (MRT-TI) at UNC-Chapel Hill. I’ve been in the birth world for over six years and received my African-centered doula training from trainers through HealthConnect One. I became a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) in 2015 and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) in 2017.
I like to think of myself as a lactation educator and advocate as I work hard to support ALL families while changing the narrative in lactation to remove barriers and improve rates for Black and brown families. I’m also always pushing to provide training for our healthcare providers so that our families benefit the best. My goal is to be a primary lactation resource for the entire community. It is why I value the community-based connections I have with our local Health Department, our military community, local healthcare providers and our Mayor & City Council. I was successful in collaborating with Mayor Mitch Colvin in getting Fayetteville designated as a Breastfeeding Friendly City in 2018, which inspired our County Commissioners to do the same for Cumberland County. I value myself as a well-rounded lactation consultant trained in ALL aspects of clinical lactation care to include prenatal education, supporting premies, maternal and infant medical challenges, oral functional issues, latching issues and supporting our pumping parents.I have a passion for our NICU families and finding solutions to improving practices.
I have partnered with the 4th Trimester Project at UNC-Chapel Hill to do a research study centered around the experiences of Black mothers during the postpartum period. Momma’s Village-Fayetteville is also one of two lead Black doula organizations in the ACURE4MOM project, which received $10 million in funding from PCORI to reduce preterm births throughout several counties in the state of North Carolina. I believe that it is important for research about the Black community to be provided by Black researchers because the answers for the Black community are IN our community. I also have a Pathway 3 Clinical Lactation Training program where I have trained over a dozen (and counting) lactation students who are training to become lactation consultants. In order for the field to grow and there be representation, I feel compelled to do my part in educating our future lactation providers. This training focuses on training Black and brown students community-based support along with cultural awareness to help our future IBCLCs become a part of changing the current narrative in the lactation profession.
I am a milspouse to a supportive, patient husband. I am the mother to 3 adult daughters, 1 adult son and my Bella. I have 3 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. I breastfed all five of my children and 4 of my 6 grandchildren. I tell people all of the time, I was not trying to be a lactation superwoman…..I was just too lazy to prepare bottles of human milk when I had an extra breast to feed from. Although I breastfed my older children for over 12 months each, I was able to experience Full-term breastfeeding with Bella. We breastfed for 6 and a half years before stopping in June of 2019. My slogan that describes my role in providing lactation education, advocacy and support in our community is…..‘To know me is to know breastfeeding. When I have a few spare moments here and there….I have several things I love to do. I enjoy learning about gardening and hope to do more of it, I love getting together with my family, I enjoy watching football 4 out of 7 days during football season. My favorite teams are the Carolina Panthers & LSU Tigers (and I still hold a special place in my sports heart for the Dallas Cowboys. I love spring and fall and enjoying a nice glass of wine or a Mojito (or two) outside around the firepit with good Sister-friends.
Due to my passion for family and work, I often take on more than I should so hang in there if you ask a question, need a resource, send an email, text me or call. I’m in the process of delegating more tasks to those around me to be more effective with my time. Because I am so busy during the week, I try really hard to devote my evenings and days off to family time. That includes trying NOT to take work home. So be patient with me.
*Thank you for following my page, for sharing it with others and trusting me to help you or someone you know and love with their infant feeding or birthing journey. I am honored and so excited to see Momma’s Village-Fayetteville grow and change as we focus on bringing breastfeeding support to the heart of Fayetteville.
My Education & Training
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBLCE 2017
Lactation Consultant, Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2015-2016
(Clinical sites included: UNC-CH, Wakemed-Cary, Womens Birth & Wellness Center, Randolph, Vidant, Rex and Cumberland County WIC)
Certified Lactation Counselor, Healthy Children, 2015
Masters of Arts in Teaching, University of Southern California, 2013
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Fayetteville State University, 1993
Professional Association Memberships
Momma’s Village-Fayetteville, Founding President/CEO, 2016
Mom2Mom-Fort Bragg, Program Director, 2016
Mom2Mom Global, Founding Board Member, 2016
Black Women Do Breastfeed, Inc., Founding Board Member, 2014
International Lactation Consultants Association, Member, 2016
United States Breastfeeding Committee, Representative, 2016
North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition, Member, 2016
North Carolina Lactation Consultants Association, Member, 2017
Breastfeeding Coalition of Cumberland County, Member, 2015
Mommas Village Fayetteville 