I have been an advocate for healthy birth and breastfeeding since the cesarean birth of my daughter, and subsequent VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) of my second daughter.  As a result  of my desire for a VBAC, I became very interested in learning more about why hospital birth practices were so at odds with natural birth, and I became a Certified Childbirth Educator with the International Childbirth Association Association.In addition, I was President of the Mid-Hudson Cesarean Prevention Movement (now known as International Cesarean Awareness Network), and held many of the other Board positions over many years.

I also received my certification as a Prenatal/Postpartum Fitness Instructor, and taught classes for many years.  I have taught many group fitness classes (Zumba, Spin, step, kickbox, bootcamp, circuit, strength, Dance Xross Fitness, I.V.A) at the South Orange Family YMCA in Monroe, as well as several other local gyms. I currently teach online fitness classes through my private group on the BAND App.

In 1991, I became the Perinatal Health Educator for Maternal-Infant Sevices Network of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to improving birth outcomes. I was the Deputy Director from 2005-2014, and retired as Director of Perinatal and Lactation Programs in October, 2020. 

In 2010, MISN was awarded a sub-contract with the Orange County Health Department for me to coordinate the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. The program has successfully increased breastfeeding initiation rates at the Middletown site, with the help of our Peer Counselors.

I have coordinated the Mid-Hudson Lactation Consortium (a coalition of breastfeeding educators and advocates) since 1994. I received my CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) certificate in 2007, and have since gone on to attain the "Gold Standard" in lactation - IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).

I have facilitated both in-person and virtual breastfeeding support groups for new moms and their babies at Catskill Regional Medical Center, as well as  Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh.

I currently work part time as the IBCLC for Washingtonville Pediatrics, and counsel mothers and babies in that practice. I facilitate a twice a month support group for new moms there, too.

I am currently employed at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown as one of their Lactation Consultants, and also teach their online Birth Basics Classes once a month. 

I am mother to 2 beautiful daughters, as well as grandmother to three perfect grandchildren.