In its first ever special issue, three JOGNN guest editors focus on women’s mental health and the critical junctures that have lasting outcomes across the life course. Listen as they discuss screening guidelines, tailored interventions, community-based support, and innovative ways health care experts can partner with legislators to promote evidence-based policies.

Shannon D. Simonovich, PhD, RN 

Dr. Shannon D. Simonovich is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health Nursing Science at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. She’s also a Governing Councilor representing Public Health Nursing in the American Public Health Association, a member of the Executive Board for the North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics & Gynecology, and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing.

Dr. Simonovich’s program of research utilizes the life course approach to study maternal mental health and intergenerational outcomes. She’s the author of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Simonovich is the mother of three young children and passionate about intergenerational mental health wellness and mentorship of the next generation of nursing leaders.

Kelly McGlothen-Bell, PhD, RN, IBCLC, FAWHONN

Dr. Kelly McGlothen-Bell is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, School of Nursing. She’s a nurse scientist whose program of research centers on policy-focused, implementation science to reduce health disparities and improve health equity for families at the intersection of reproductive justice and substance use.

Through a practice lens, she became aware of how discriminatory health and social policies often take advantage of, rather than support historically marginalized people. Thus, Dr. McGlothen-Bell is currently examining how discrimination, intersectional stigma, and implementation of mandatory reporting policies affect access to and utilization of obstetrical care and treatment services among pregnant and parenting people with a history of substance use. Most recently, she was selected as a 2023 Fellow for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nursing.

Kia Skrine Jeffers, PhD, RN, PHN 

Dr. Kia Skrine Jeffers is an Assistant Professor in the UCLA School of Nursing. Through participatory, arts-based, and quantitative approaches, Dr. Skrine Jeffers develops and informs community-based, mental health interventions that attend to the lived experiences and cultural assets of Black women across their life courses.

Her most recent work translated the findings from her research-based play about depression among Black women into a virtual sister circle intervention. In other studies, she has engaged community stakeholders to address pressing maternal morbidity, mortality, and intergenerational birthing experiences of Black women and examined associations between health system factors and maternal mental health.

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Two powerful advocates share their personal journeys into lactation consulting and discuss the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families. Join us as we discuss the significance of human milk for infants and provide insights on how health care professionals can support diverse families. We also address stigma and bias in the health care setting and offer resources for nurses to become better allies.

Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC

Jacob Engelsman is an infant care specialist, childbirth educator, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant specializing in lactation support for gender diverse families. He is the author of Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Guide for Queer and Trans Parents and Helpers as well as many talks and articles on how clinicians can better support LGBTQIA+ families. He is currently working on a follow-up book on infant care as well as a book on how medical professionals can support LGBTQIA+ patients. He lives and works in Atlanta, GA with his husband and two cats.

Kristin Cavuto, MSW LCSW IBCLC

Kristin Cavuto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant located in central NJ. Her clinical lactation specialties are low supply (specifically Insufficient glandular tissue), and other medical low supply, poor weight gain, and difficulty with latching issues.

As a therapist, they specialize in parental and infant mental health, the transition to parenthood, and in LGBTQ+ and polyamory issues. They have spoken on various lactation, mental health, and equity topics for many regional, national, and international conferences and organizations.

She serves as a legal advocate and expert witness for cases involving lactation, child welfare, or LGBTQ+ families. She is a resource to other professionals in private practice who need coaching on boundaries, work/life balance, and burnout, or clinical consultation on low supply cases.

Kristin is the mother of two teenagers, a part of the LGBTQ+ and polyam communities, and an anti-racist activist. Her approach to lactation and mental health work is based in individualized care, deep acceptance, and empathy, along with strong clinical skills. She sees clients as whole people who deserve to be supported to reach their goals. Her 20+ years of clinical education and experience, coupled with personal understanding of lactation, parenting, and mental health work gives clients the best possible care.

The post Inclusive Lactation: Supporting Gender Diverse Families appeared first on AWHONN.

Quality improvement science in perinatal care can address the preventable morbidity and mortality disparity affecting racial and ethnic minorities. Leaders from the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement describe how and why they designed SPEAK UP to dismantle racism in health care. Listen to explore the collective responsibility of nurses and health care professionals to implement change and improve outcomes for all birthing individuals.

Debra Bingham, DrPH, RN, FAAN 

Dr. Debra Bingham is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement. Key PQI programs include QI Essentials, SPEAK UP Against Racism Action Pathway, and the Intermittent Auscultation simulation-based module.

Debra has over 30 years of perinatal clinical experience. She was the first Executive Director of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC), a VP for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), and an Associate Professor of Healthcare Quality and Safety at the University of Maryland (UMSON).

At CMQCC she co-authored and launched the Obstetric Hemorrhage and Elimination of Elective Deliveries Prior to 39 Weeks Toolkits and collaboratives. At AWHONN she co-created and launched the Postpartum Hemorrhage Project, POST-BIRTH Warning Signs, and the Maternal Fetal Triage Index. At UMSON she expanded the utilization of implementation science and quality improvement methods and tools within the Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum. She was also the principal investigator for the Advancing Implementation Science Education (AdvISE) Nurse Support II grant funded by the Maryland Commission of Higher Education.

Debra’s leadership and expertise is exemplified in her many co-authored, peer-review articles and implementation tool-kits. She’s developed and led several state and national quality improvement initiatives that have reduced maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Thus, Debra has been quoted by The New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, and The Associated Press. She’s a sought-after speaker that’s been interviewed on NPR, Studio 1A, and on Katie Couric’s podcast Next Question.

Debra is the co-editor of her son David K. Jones’s (1981-2021) book Ripples of Hope in the Mississippi Delta: Charting the Health Equity Policy Agenda.

Renee Byfield, MS, RN, FNP, C-EFM, FAAN 

Renée Byfield is the Program Director at the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement. She’s the co-author of SPEAK UP Against Racism, a groundbreaking national perinatal equity curriculum and cultural change paradigm to accelerate the elimination of perinatal disparities by addressing the maternal mortality crisis. This program has reached thousands of perinatal professionals across the U.S. resulting in greater collaboration between local and state governments, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

Renee’s career encompasses academia, healthcare facilities, and ambulatory settings. She’s made significant contributions to leading institutions. At Drexel University she was a Clinical Assistant Professor teaching baccalaureate and masters level courses and at the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), she was Program Manager of internationally recognized perinatal and neonatal programs and the inaugural developer of the Obstetric Patient Safety Program (OPS).

Renee was a Perinatal Safety Administrator at NYP – Weill Cornell that launched team trainings and in-situ interdisciplinary simulation drills; and at Kaiser Permanente GA she was Nurse Manager for OB/GYN, Urogynecology where she launched the Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation clinic.

As a PhD student at the Emory University School of Nursing and a National Institute of Health Pre-Doctoral Training Scholar, her research is focused on advancing maternal health equity by leveraging data science and health information technology to address and mitigate obstetric violence. Renee is also the recipient of AWHONN’s 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award.

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Hear Tammy Toney Butler’s harrowing journey out of being sex trafficked as a child. Learn the importance of understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the effects of intergenerational trauma. Receive guidance and resources for health care professionals on self-care, compassion, trust, and how to listen survivors.

Warning: This content may be distressing or triggering, especially for survivors of abuse and trauma.

Tammy Toney-Butler

Tammy Toney-Butler is a former emergency department nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She’s a published author and subject matter expert on human trafficking and trauma-responsive care. Tammy, a survivor of child sex trafficking, was transformed by her faith in Christ and is on a mission to empower survivors to start their transformative journey as they find peace, calm, and serenity.

In 2020, Tammy co-founded Nurses United Against Human Trafficking and founded A&K Ranch Ministries. In 2021, she founded Reflective Spaces Ministry, a trauma-focused, prophetic healing ministry in Lee County, FL. In 2023, she launched the podcast Reflective Hour with Tammy Toney-Butler.

Tammy is an international speaker on human trafficking and has presented at the United Nations, the World Health Organization’s Year of the Nurse, the American Nurses Association General Assembly, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She’s also been retained as an expert witness and network television panelist.

Tammy is active in her advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and is unafraid to speak the truth about child safety legislative initiatives and the need for reform in this space.

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Hear Tammy Toney Butler’s harrowing journey out of being sex trafficked as a child. Learn the importance of understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the effects of intergenerational trauma. Receive guidance and resources for health care professionals on self-care, compassion, trust, and how to listen survivors. 

Warning: This content may be distressing or triggering, especially for survivors of abuse and trauma.  

Tammy Toney-Butler

Tammy Toney-Butler is a former emergency department nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She’s a published author and subject matter expert on human trafficking and trauma-responsive care. Tammy, a survivor of child sex trafficking, was transformed by her faith in Christ and is on a mission to empower survivors to start their transformative journey as they find peace, calm, and serenity.

In 2020, Tammy co-founded Nurses United Against Human Trafficking and founded A&K Ranch Ministries. In 2021, she founded Reflective Spaces Ministry, a trauma-focused, prophetic healing ministry in Lee County, FL. In 2023, she launched the podcast Reflective Hour with Tammy Toney-Butler.

Tammy is an international speaker on human trafficking and has presented at the United Nations, the World Health Organization’s Year of the Nurse, the American Nurses Association General Assembly, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She’s also been retained as an expert witness and network television panelist.

Tammy is active in her advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and is unafraid to speak the truth about child safety legislative initiatives and the need for reform in this space.

The post Healing From Human Trafficking appeared first on AWHONN.

This conversation explores the unique experiences of male nurses in maternal health, highlighting their personal journeys, the challenges they face, and the rewarding aspects of their careers. Our roundtable of guests share insights on how they engage with families during the birthing process and the importance of inclusivity in nursing. Listen closely to learn about the power of mentorship that helped these nurses excel and how they collaborate and network through professional associations to build community and support among nurses.

Matthew Medina, MSN, CNM, RNC-OB/EFM, FAWHONN

Matthew Medina is a midwife and labor nurse at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and practices as a per-diem laborist midwife at Boston Medical Center (New England’s largest safety-net hospital). He’s been an RN since 2010 and landed a dream job in L&D in 2011; he’s certified in inpatient OB and electronic fetal monitoring. Matt holds a special place in his heart for the night shift and only works after 7pm. The most memorable births happen after the sun goes down!

Matt has been an AWHONN member since becoming a new L&D RN. He became involved with the AWHONN MA section in 2012 and most recently completed his term as section chair. In 2025, he’ll serve on the AWHONN Board of Directors.

Matt has embraced being a national volunteer leader and was selected as an Emerging Leader in 2017. He found a new passion for Every Woman Every Baby (EWEB) while serving on Development Committee for several terms. He describes his tenure on the Development Committee as rewarding because he enjoyed the responsibility of helping to disperse the funds raised with EWEB back to AWHONN members. Matt has also served on the Convention Planning Committee, Nominating Committee, and the Ethics & Compliance Committee. In 2023, Matt was proud and honored to have been inducted into the inaugural group of AWHONN Fellows.

Gabe Thaman, BSN, RN

Gabe Thaman says, “As a high-risk OB nurse, I’ve been given the opportunity and privilege to take care of some of the sickest pregnant patients in my region. I work in all roles on my unit including OB ED, transport, bedside labor, antepartum, resource, and head up our ultrasound IV team. The delivery room is sacred and one to be respected. My role as the nurse is to help make sure that the delivery experience my patient’s desire is achieved!”

Curry Bordelon, DNP, MBA, NNP-BC, CPNP-AC, CNE

Dr. Curry Bordelon is an Associate Professor and Interim Department Chair at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. Dr. Bordelon has extensive leadership experience as a nurse practitioner manager, Education Liaison for the Academy of Neonatal Nurses, and President Elect for the American Associate for Men in Nursing. He is a founding member of the American Men’s Health Nursing Alliance and Co-Lead for the Curricula Leadership Committee for NONPF. Curry has several publications and presentations focusing on teaching innovations, neonatal care, curricula, men’s health, and leadership.

Eric Ruiz, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, RNC-OB

Eric Ruiz is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse Certified in Obstetrics with nearly a decade of experience in labor and delivery. Known for his expertise and compassionate care, Eric also serves as a mentor and resource for colleagues. As a U.S. military veteran Eric brings dedication and resilience to every aspect of his life. Beyond healthcare, he’s a creative entrepreneur, running a 3D printing business on Etsy, and a 7 year volunteer in Haiti opening access to healthcare. Eric cherishes his close-knit family and is committed to making a positive impact in his community.

The post Men in Maternal Health Nursing appeared first on AWHONN.

Explore the opportunities available for nursing students through UNCF and HBCUs and discover how increasing diversity among nurse scientists can transform health care. Our guests discuss the importance of outreach, mentorship, and community support in nursing education, as well as strategies for building connections with funders. Tune in for insights into how you can get involved in supporting the next generation of nursing professionals.

Allyssa L. Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FADNL

Dr. Allyssa L. Harris is the Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing at Prairie View A&M University. She began her career at William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College, where she served as the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program Director, achieved tenure, and was promoted to Associate Professor and Department Chair.

Throughout her 39-year career as a nurse and women’s health nurse practitioner, Dr. Harris has advocated for the care of women, children and families. She’s the author of multiple publications, serves on numerous professional organization’s committees and boards of directors including AWHONN’s Editorial Advisory Board for the journal, Nursing for Women’s Health (NWH).

Dr. Harris has received a number of awards and was recently inducted in the 2024 inaugural class of Fellows of Association Diverse Nurse Leaders (FADNL).

Cynthia Hearn, MS  

Cynthia Hearn is a seasoned healthcare professional that worked as a licensed nurse for several years specializing in women’s health and lactation. In April 2022, she entered the field of higher education as a Relationship Manager and College Success Coach with UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

Cynthia has been successful in designing and developing a variety of wellness programs in the workplace. She’s passionate about helping students and enjoys forming partnerships with various professional associations. Her work with these organizations provides students with professional development, support through webinars, workshops, and mentorship all to help ensure students’ success.

Ambrose M. Price II

Ambrose M. Price II is a Senior Relationship Manager and College Success Coach for UNCF. His professional career in education finance has spanned over three decades working in the profit and non-profit sectors.

He most recently served in various roles in the financial aid office at Huston-Tillotson University. As a Senior Relationship Manager and College Success Coach, he is responsible for program management and provides wrap-around services to students in scholarship programs offering this value-added benefit.

The post How UNCF and HBCUs Can Shape the Future of Nursing Careers appeared first on AWHONN.

In August 2024, Dr. Kandis McLean partnered with Avion Drayton-Bailey and the Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association to led a team of U.S. nurses to Trinidad and Tobago to teach AWHONN’s Obstetric Patient Safety Program. Learn about their motivation, preparation, cultural adaptations, and team dynamics, especially if you’d like to take your nursing skills abroad. This episode highlights the importance of global collaboration in maternal health with the shared goal of reducing maternal mortality rates.

Avion Drayton-Bailey, B.Sc.N. Admin; RN; RPN 

Avion Drayton-Bailey has been a Registered Nurse for more than 20 years with five years of experience as Registered Psychiatric Nurse. She’s currently the First Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association and Region IV Director of the Caribbean Nurses Organization. Previously, she was a cardiology nurse manager at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and worked offshore for three years as a Vessel Registered Nurse/Medic on various Dive Sea Vessels.

Avion’s mantra is “Be the change you want to see.” She’s a servant leader that has coordinated and planned various events for the North Central Regional Health Authority; Lions Club of Trinidad and Tobago; Joint Trade Union Movement (Leadership Council), and the Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association.

Ms. Drayton-Bailey is a part-time lecturer at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, she’s taught courses at the University of the West Indies and owns and manages Avion’s Events and Catering Services. She can be found every Thursday on I95.5 FM where she co-hosts the weekly nursing programme “TTNNA Talks!”

Katrina J. Johnson, MSN/Ed, RN 

Katrina Johnson has served in the roles of nurse manager, assistant nurse manager/educator and simulation coordinator in women’s and perinatal health.

Katrina is a passionate, committed patient advocate of women and newborns by supporting them through equitable, culturally sensitive care. She actively promotes healthcare equity and best practices to improve the outcomes of underrepresented mothers and their newborns through education and advocacy.

Katrina has been an AWHONN member for over 15+ years. She’s currently a perinatal safety nurse, AWHONN intermediate and advanced fetal monitoring instructor/mentor, Neonatal Resuscitation, BLS instructor and TeamSTEPPS master trainer.

Ashley Rainey, MSN, RNC-OB, IAP 

Ashley Rainey has a deep-seated passion for perinatal care and is currently the Clinical Director for the Women, Children, and Families Commission for the State of Indiana. She performs various functions to promote clinical practice throughout the commission and for the 75 delivery facilities in the state.

Ashley is an esteemed member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, alumna of the 2019 Maternal-Child Nursing Leadership Academy cohort, and involved with AWHONN nationally and locally. She’s currently seeking her PhD in Nursing Research student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Dr. K. McLean, DNP, FNP-C, RNC-OB, RNC-MNN, C-EFM, CHSE, NEA-BC

Dr. Kandis McLean is a maternal health nurse executive with over a decade of high-risk maternal child health inpatient experience. She’s a content consultant for the National League of Nursing and National Certification Corporation. As the Director of Nursing for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, she covers over eight sites across three regions.

Dr. McLean has been a clinical adjunct for maternal health simulation at Nassau Community College since 2021 and provides obstetrical care as a Family Nurse Practitioner for Columbia University. She’s a certified healthcare simulation educator and certified in inpatient obstetrics and maternal newborn nursing. Dr. McLean’s commitment is to ensure delivery of equitable, quality care with affordable access, and foster the growth of the nursing pipeline through nursing and community education.

Dr. McLean is on the New York Department of Health Maternal Morbidity Task Force (2023-2026) to actively reduce maternal morbidity by conducting research focused on vulnerable birthing patients with mental health and substance use disorders in the community.

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Our conversation with Dr. Francine Bono-Neri delves into the global crisis of human trafficking as she shares her journey into the anti-trafficking movement. She discusses how health care professionals can identify and support survivors, the psychological manipulation involved in trafficking, and the need for trauma-informed care. This episode also details the impact of digital technology on child safety and encourages listeners to get involved in the anti-trafficking movement.

Warning: Some of this content may be distressing or triggering, especially for survivors of abuse and trauma. Please prioritize your well-being.

Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP

Dr. Bono-Neri is a pediatric nurse practitioner, educator, researcher, published author, and international speaker. She has served on the boards of ANA-NY, a NAPNAP chapter, and was awarded an N.E.F. Scholarship. In turn, she established an annual scholarship for master’s or doctoral nursing students whose work focuses on human trafficking or anti-trafficking measures. Dr. Bono-Neri has been recognized at the UN, receiving the Inspiring Global Nurse Award, International Ceca Award, and has been newly inducted in the 2024 Class of the American Academy of Nursing Fellows. She’s the Co-founder and President of Nurses United Against Human Trafficking, a global association dedicated to combatting human trafficking by educating, equipping, and empowering healthcare professionals on anti-trafficking measures.

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Nurses who work closely with patients going through a traumatic experience often witness events that can lead to emotional distress and/or PTSD. This episode centers pathways to healing from secondary or vicarious trauma. Our guests Krysta Dancy and Dr. Ashley Winch discuss how to recognize and get help.

Krysta Dancy, MA, MFT, CBD(CBI), Certified Provider Educator

Krysta Dancy is a licensed trauma therapist and certified provider educator with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of psychology, trauma and birth. She’s the founder and CEO of Dancy Perinatal Counseling, a nationwide mental health support system for perinatal families and their caregivers.

As a birth and mental health professional, Krysta holds great optimism and warmth for each person in the birth room. Her passion is to see trauma-informed medical care become the norm and to see providers and patients thrive in the clinical care setting. In her office she treats both patients and professionals for a variety of birth and professional trauma-related concerns.

Ashley Winch, PhD

Dr. Ashley Winch received her PhD from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Clinical Psychology and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at UCF RESTORES. Her research and clinical focus are in the treatment, education, and prevention of traumatic experiences and subsequent symptoms.

Ashley started her clinical training at the Yale Child Study Center under the mentorship of Dr. Nancy Suchman in substance use and parenting. At UCF, she continued this work as she began her doctoral training. Once she joined UCF RESTORES, she received extensive training in the treatment of trauma symptoms experienced by first responders, veterans, and civilians following significant trauma exposure.

In addition, Ashley was trained in Autism assessment and treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital. She completed her postdoctoral residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital where she combined her training in trauma and neurodiversity to cater to children experiencing trauma symptoms with comorbid ADHD, Autism, and in-utero substance exposure in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Due to her deep passion for the work being done at UCF RESTORES, Ashley returned to UCF following completion of her PhD.

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