IATP Professional Member

I am a Registered, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (RLC, IBCLC). To accomplish this, I completed over 90 hours of lactation-specific education; 10 college courses in basic anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and other related subjects; and more than1500 supervised clinical hours helping families with lactation. I first passed the Board exam in 2009, certifying me as an IBCLC. In 2014, I completed the re-certification process, and in 2020 I passed the Board exam again as part of the re-certification process.

In 2007, I obtained certification as a childbirth instructor (CCE) through the Academy of Childbirth Educators and I re-certify every 3 years. This ensures that I have a current and thorough understanding of healthy pregnancy and informed labor and birth.

Today I am a private practice IBCLC with over 19 years experience in breastfeeding support, including 10 in the hospital. My area of emphasis is preterm infants and milk supply management, and I am very experienced with the intricacies of assisting families whose babies have oral restrictions. I am the Facilitator of Baby Cafe© Bakersfield and volunteer my services as an IBCLC to the parents who attend.

I am an educator/trainer of aspiring lactation care providers through my projects The Lactation Training Lab and California Advanced Lactation Institute. Through both of these projects, I strive to ensure that the next generation of lactation care providers are familiar with and trained to discuss and educate others about infant oral restrictions and their potential impact on lactation for both parent and infant.

I am currently serving as President of the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA.) I am a U.S. Navy veteran and I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. I have been married for 26 years and have 3 intelligent, amazing daughters.