1. What is your role/position with NHCLV and which location do you work at? How long have you worked for the organization?
I am Certified Nurse Midwife. I provide prenatal and postpartum care for our patients during their pregnant year. I also help with women’s health issues and birth control. I have been with NHCLV since 2016 and work mostly in our Allentown location.
2. Why do you think an FQHC is important in caring for members of the Lehigh Valley community?
The space we provide to explore health and wellness is invaluable. We try to be accessible, culturally sensitive, and kind. This is an important combination for providing care to people who may be feeling vulnerable or coming from healthcare facilities that did not take the time to listen to them in the past.
3. What’s the most important thing you have learned working for an FQHC?
I learned to focus on other people’s strengths. Every person has their strengths and has something they can teach. That goes for my coworkers and for my patients. By creating a space to learn from each other we all benefit and grow.
4. What do you love most about your job?
I love working and caring for women as they progress through their pregnancies. I hope to always feel an awe for the miracle and strength of the human body and for the depth of love and resiliency people are capable of while caring for their children.
5. What one piece of advice do you have for patients when it comes to caring for their health?
We are all starting in different places and it takes walking one step at a time toward your health goals while being very patient and gentle with yourself. Our staff is here to support you in that process.
Many people come to care thinking that I am the expert and that they are here to listen to my medical advice. I like to remind them that they are the experts of their own bodies and I am here to work with them as a partner in staying healthy. I love it when people come to visits with health goals and questions.