OUR TEAM
UNITED BY A SHARED MISSION.
Our team of bereaved parents turned stillbirth advocates is committed to tackling systemic issues head-on.
Since its inception, PUSH continues to make tremendous strides toward reducing the incidence of preventable stillbirth in the US through our dedicated, all-volunteer staff. Each leader on our team has survived the unimaginable pain and trauma of stillbirth and works tirelessly every day so that no other family experiences what our families have.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board is unique in that each member, while possessing veritable skill sets that guide our governance and strategic business goals, also has direct experience with our cause. They are actively engaged and care deeply about our mission and progress toward our goal.
Samantha Banerjee
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The first problem that Samantha ever encountered that she couldn't solve was her daughter's death. After a cord accident just two days before the due date of her otherwise perfect first pregnancy, Samantha delved into research surrounding possible causes for this unexpected and tragic loss in her “low risk” pregnancy and was aghast to uncover the utter lack of progress in improving the US stillbirth rate.
Following her daughter's death, Samantha became known within the loss community for her candid writing on grief and has been featured in The Washington Post, TODAY, ProPublica, and ABC News. She survived the harrowing experience of two subsequent pregnancies, delivering a healthy son and second daughter. In 2021, she united with other bereaved parents founding PUSH to change the U.S. healthcare system from the top-down.
A former Microsoft software engineer, small business owner, and author of young adult science fiction, Samantha holds both her B.S. and B.A.S. degrees in Systems Engineering and in Business Management and Operations, respectively, from the Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is obsessed with her dog.
born still in 2013
Allie Felker
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY
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As a healthy young woman nearly 32 weeks into a perfect pregnancy, Allie knew something was wrong. She went to the hospital citing reduced fetal movement of her baby; she was eventually sent home. The next day, she was blindsided to learn that her son Henry (Hank) Justice Felker had died.
Since then, Allie has found peace through advocacy and is driven by using her voice to help other families avert the preventable tragedy that befell her and her family in her son’s name. She has led a robust outreach campaign to state- and federal-level public health leaders and elected officials to raise the alarm on the stillbirth crisis and present actionable solutions to those with the power to create change. She has also galvanized thousands of bereaved families and allies across the U.S. to advocate for stillbirth prevention by sharing their stories and calling on their own representatives to demand action.
Allie hosts The Mourning Dove podcast and has spoken at TEDx. She is currently working towards earning her bachelor’s degree in political science.
born still in 2020
Ana Vick
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Following a “textbook” perfect pregnancy, Ana and her husband were blindsided by their son, Owen Nathaniel's, unexpected stillbirth. A subsequent, high-risk Pregnancy After Loss with 17 weeks of bedrest eventually blessed them with a healthy, living sibling for their elder daughter thanks to her own personal advocacy. Yet her family’s struggles through stillbirth and two subsequent miscarriages before the birth of her second son, resulted in deep emotional birth trauma.
Today, Ana channels her trauma into advocacy heading to D.C. regularly to support legislative efforts. She also shares her insights on her personal Instagram @stillmyson*, aiming to spread awareness and empower those facing similar challenges to raise their voices for change. Above all, she fiercely advocates to advance the standard of care for pregnant families.
With prior career experience in event planning and media production at E! Entertainment, Ana brings a variety of creative, communications, and project management skills to her work at PUSH. Ana is also the founder of the Sacred Birth Circle podcast, which aims to empower women and families throughout their pregnancy journey, and Creadors De Luz, which provides culturally relevant Spanish-language information to reduce preventable stillbirth within the Latinx/Hispanic population. Ana holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).
born still in 2015
Camila Vintimilla-Caster
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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Already a mother to two children, Camila decided to become a surrogate to help another family in need. She had a perfect pregnancy which ended in stillbirth at 39 weeks. Following the “worst event of her life,” she found support through PUSH and a new purpose: to help other parents take charge of their pregnancies, no matter how “low risk” they are told they are.
Since then, Camila has poured her boundless energy into research, using what she’s learned to raise awareness on social media and beyond. She leads PUSH’s Changemaker Care Team, onboarding volunteers and matching them with projects that will effectively channel their passion into change. With the support of her family of bilingual physicians and research scientists, Camila has also undertaken translation of PUSH communications, ensuring that lifesaving empowering pregnancy information is available to Spanish-speaking families and providers.
Camila is a cosmetology instructor and salon owner. She is currently earning a degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science so that she can lend her skills with compassion to provide comfort for bereaved families.
born still in 2021
Elizabeth O'Donnell
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Losing her first daughter, Aaliyah Denise Briscoe, sparked Liz to action to become an advocate in the loss community. Since Aaliyah's death, Liz has been passionately challenging the U.S.'s outdated and inadequate definitions of "paid family leave."
Her efforts led to the passage of D.C. Act 24-31 "District Government Family Bereavement Leave Emergency Amendment Act of 2021," allowing parents who experience a stillbirth or death of a child under 21 years of age to receive 10 days of bereavement leave. Liz also leads a robust national bereavement support program through her nonprofit Aaliyah in Action, and has been featured in The Washington Post, NPR, Insider, WebMD, TODAY, The Bump, The 19th, MSNBC, Fox5 News, Pix11 News, and Washington CityPaper.
Liz is a former elementary teacher in Washington D.C. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Teaching from The George Washington University. She is currently earning her MPH in Maternal and Child Health from GW’s Milken Institute of Public Health.
born still in 2020
Marny Smith
DIRECTOR OF MATERNAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
Marny never imagined that her first child, Heath, could be born dead. Until her son was stillborn at almost 37 weeks, she didn’t realize how many lives stillbirth claims because in the U.S., stillbirth is considered taboo and shrouded with stigma and shame.
However, after learning how other countries have successfully decreased their stillbirth rates, Marny became passionate about bringing those methods to the U.S., as well as improving maternal care and racial health disparities, and helped to co-found PUSH.
Marny's essay "After A Death, Bringing Stillbirth Prevention To The US" appeared in the January 2022 issue of Health Affairs. Her story has also appeared in USA Today, FOX 5, CBS, Lohud, Insider, and Larchmont Living.
With a B.A in Literature from the New School and an MS Ed in Higher Education Administration, Marny most recently served as a director of graduate career services at the Marxe School of Public Administration and International Affairs at Baruch College in New York. She also holds certifications in career coaching and human resources.
born still in 2019
Domenique Rice
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCE
As a co-founder of PUSH, Domenique passionately shares about her stillborn son, creates stillbirth and child death awareness while breaking down stigma, and connects with other child death families to support them through her Instagram account @stillbirthmamafightingforlight.*
A (bereaved) mother of five, Domenique never had any reason to suspect that something was amiss in her second pregnancy until it was already too late. As with most expectant parents, stillbirth prevention measures were never discussed by her providers, leaving Domenique and her husband blindsided when she went into labor at 36.5 weeks and her second child and first son, TJ, was born still.
An outspoken marketing and sales specialist who is unapologetic in living her values, Domenique also lends her voice to like-minded causes aimed at empowering women to take charge of their health, wellness and happiness. She holds a B.S. from the University of Oregon and certifications from Essex Business School and New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
born still in 2017
Marjorie Vail
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH
After Marjorie’s son, Aleksei, was born still at 37 weeks, she realized that the only way to get through her own hardship was to help others. She made a decision to be a megaphone in the fight against stillbirth and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the fight to reduce the rate of preventable stillbirth in the U.S. ever since.
Having held the titles of Mrs. New York International 2015 and Mrs. New York America 2020, Marjorie competed and won raising the issue of preventable stillbirth as her platform.
In addition, Marjorie has devoted her life to being in service of others through missionary work abroad, particularly in Haiti as a respected member of the Haitian-American community, and volunteering for New York Cares, Propelled Media, NYC Books Through Bars, and the American Heart Association. Her work in raising stillbirth awareness culminated in her being named a “Woman of Excellence” from Brooklyn’s then-Borough President Eric Adams.
Marjorie is the Vice President of Education with the L.A.C.E. Toastmasters and is a captivating public speaker on the topic of preventable stillbirth. She is a trauma therapist with an Advanced Certification in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University, and holds a BA in English Language Arts from Hunter College, MA in Childhood Education from New York University with Kappa Delta Pi honors, a MS in School Counseling from Alfred University, a MEd in Education Leadership from College of Saint Rose, and is currently earning her PhD at PACE University
born still in 2004
Principal, Samina Bari Advisors LLC
Samina Bari
With a distinguished track record of value creation as a public-company corporate officer and business/investor strategist, Samina Bari is a 30+-year veteran of the biopharmaceutical industry. Having driven transformations resulting in $40B worth of acquisitions by Pfizer, Nestlé, AbbVie, and Mallinkrodt, Samina improves reputation, creates differentiation, and increases market cap by identifying risks and solutions, as well as enhancing operational processes.
Samina previously served as an Executive Team Member and Company Officer Aimmune Therapeutics, Axovant Sciences, Medivation, and Pharmacyclics. She also was on the leadership team of Ikaria, after roles at Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson across which she held responsibility for advocacy relations, government affairs, medical affairs, investor relations, and communications.
As a referral-based advisor to CEOs and Boards, Samina has a proven track record in identifying maximizing operational effectiveness, executing multi-channel strategies to help shape public opinion, and architecting compelling corporate positioning and strategy. She holds expertise in corporate strategy and positioning, value perception and reputation investor strategy, IPOs/M&A, cybersecurity risk mitigation and breach management, and risk identification and crisis management.
Samina is a mom to twin girls after a decade-long struggle with infertility, miscarriages, and high-risk pregnancies.
A published author and speaker, Samina holds a B.A. and M.A. from New York University and is certified in global corporate board governance.
Founder and CEO of Wonderschool
Chris Bennett
Chris Bennett is a TED-endorsed Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur with a gift for networking, a passion for solving complex problems, and extensive experience building inclusive community. His two companies have collectively raised more than $29 million in funding.
As the founder and CEO of Wonderschool, a platform to help both educators and caregivers start, operate, and grow their own high-quality in-home preschools and child care programs, Chris has amassed an intimate understanding of the needs of diverse young families, with a particular focus on marginalized and underserved communities. Through Wonderschool he has also built partnerships with several state and local governments to ensure equitable access to early childhood education and gained valuable experience successfully leading an organization from the startup phase through rapid and massive growth.
As a graduate of the Wharton School and through his experiences raising capital for his companies and helping to launch Black Founders, an organization dedicated to fostering the success of Black entrepreneurs in tech, Chris has forged deep connections with influential individuals across a wide spectrum of industries and media. He stands ready to work his unique brand of magic in service of saving babies from preventable stillbirth.
Executive Director of Erika's Lighthouse
Brandon Combs, MNA
Brandon is Executive Director of Erika's Lighthouse, a national nonprofit focused on providing schools the tools and resources they need to normalize conversations around mental health through education, awareness and peer-leadership. Through developing turn-key, easy-to-access and understand programs, the organization has impacted over 2.6 million students since inception and provides programming in more than 2,000 schools across 49 states.
After losing his niece Adeline, to stillbirth, he experienced the sense of helplessness in trying to understand and support his family. He is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to fortify PUSH into the largest and most impactful stillbirth prevention organization in the U.S.
Brandon brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience at every level of engagement, from volunteer to back office, Board Member to Executive Director. He received his B.A. in Political Science, Fundraising and Resource Development, and Sociology from Indiana University-Bloomington and his M.N.A. in Non-profit Administration, Fundraising and Development from North Park University in Chicago.
Founder & Executive Director, Pregnancy After Loss Support
Lindsey M. Henke, MSW, LICSW
Lindsey M. Henke, MSW, LICSW is an author and clinical social worker. Her oldest daughter, Nora, was stillborn after a healthy full-term pregnancy in December of 2012. Since then, she has turned to writing to heal her past hurts. Her powerful writing has been featured on TODAY.com and in Pregnancy and Newborn magazine, Huffington Post, and The New York Times.
After her subsequent pregnancy with her second daughter who was born healthy and alive in March of 2014, Lindsey founded and continues to be the Executive Director of Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS), a nonprofit for parents pregnant after a previous perinatal loss or infant death. PALS has been a beacon of hope for families in the baby loss community and under Lindsey's leadership one of the most outspoken advocates for birth equity in the stillbirth nonprofit space.
Since her daughter's stillbirth and her subsequent daughter's birth, Lindsey has also become a passionate advocate for maternal mental health and health issues as a therapist that specializes in reproductive trauma and perinatal mental health.
Lindsay holds a B.A in Gender & Sexuality, Race & Ethnicity, and Social Justice and M.S.W. in Clinical/Medical Social Work, both from the University of Minnesota.
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Group Director of Client Strategy and Operations, Modifly
Erica Hernandez
With a background in traditional and digital advertising, Erica leads the Client Strategy and Operations Department at the media agency Modifly. She has experience working for award-winning international brands and local start-ups, including Papa Johns, Olive Garden, 3M and Skullcandy. She excels at building strong client relationships and creative strategies that push the business forward.
Erica was inspired to dedicate her talents to the stillbirth movement in honor of her beloved niece, Rowan Mae, who was tragically born still after 35 weeks of an otherwise uneventful and cherished pregnancy in 2021.
Erica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the Bellisario College of Communications in 2014. At Penn State, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she supported The Ronald McDonald House charity as well as Penn State THON. Previously, Erica served as Executive Director of Client Experience at BLVR, a B-Corp that gives back to charities and supports non-profits with creative executions.
Co-Founder of Carriage House Birth
Domino Kirke-Badgley, CD
A challenging birthing experience with her first child left Domino Kirke-Badgley keenly aware of a huge gap in birth care. After that, Kirke-Badgley set out to become the person she had needed by her side during her first birth.
After training with DONA International, Kirke-Badgley became a doula immersed in birth work. She co-founded Carriage House Birth (CHB) in 2012 as a small collective of doulas with childbirth education classes and support groups. Today, CHB runs an in-depth doula training program with over 50 doulas in New York.
Kirke-Badgley also is a childbirth educator, postpartum doula and doula mentor, and a staunch ally for reproductive justice and equitable healthcare.
Director, Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Yale University
Harvey J. Kliman, MD, PhD
Harvey J. Kliman, M.D., Ph.D., currently is a Research Scientist in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, and the Director of Yale’s Reproductive and Placental Research Unit with a special interest in infertility and pregnancy complications.
Dr. Kliman is a leading U.S. expert on all things related to the placenta, and a revered vindicator of loss mothers around the world for his renowned ability to accurately identify the causes of previously unexplained stillbirths to provide families with the answers they deserve.
In addition to his research and teaching activities at Yale, he also consults with doctors and patients to evaluate complicated cases of unexplained infertility, pregnancy loss, and poor pregnancy outcomes. He is the innovator of the Estimated Placental Volume (EPV) stillbirth prevention technique, and has been a tireless and devoted advocate for bereaved families for decades.
Dr. Kliman received both his M.D. and is Ph.D. in Medicine and Cellular Biochemistry from the University of Chicago.
Dorothy M. Willie Professor in Excellence, University of Iowa College of Law
Jill Wieber Lens, JD
Jill is a leading expert on stillbirth, the legal recognition and treatment of stillbirth. She studies the ways in which federal and state laws contribute to the United States’ stagnant stillbirth rate, shape the experience of stillbirth for birthing parents, and define broader cultural conceptions of stillbirth. Her work is inspired by her son Caleb’s stillbirth in 2017 when Lens was 37 weeks pregnant.
Encompassing multiple legal contexts—including health law; public health law; tort law; remedies law; bioethics principles and informed consent law; reproductive justice and reproductive rights law; and criminal law—Lens’s research is interdisciplinary, often relying on medical studies and empirical studies of parents after stillbirth. An expert on reproductive justice, her work frequently highlights the increased risk of stillbirth faced by marginalized persons and examines the relationship between unintended pregnancy loss and abortion rights.
Her work has appeared in the Michigan Law Review, Georgetown Law Journal, Vanderbilt Law Review, and U.C. Davis Law Review, Washington University Law Review, Iowa Law Review, Boston University Law Review, and Boston College Law Review, and has been cited by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Her popular writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, and Time.
She has also been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, and is a past contributor to the Huffington Post.
She spent several years in St. Louis practicing commercial and appellate litigation before being appointed to the faculty at Baylor University School of Law. In 2018, she joined the University of Arkansas School of Law, where she served as the Robert A. Leflar Professor of Law and Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development. She has authored numerous scholarly articles and book chapters. Jill is a graduate with honors of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Iowa College of Law, Order of the Coif.
Founder and Executive Director, Shades of Blue
Kay Matthews
Kay Matthews founded the Shades of Blue Project in 2013, shortly after the stillborn death of her daughter Troya Simone. She is the creator of Black Maternal Mental Health Week (BMMHW)—a week-long event that focuses on persisting challenges, viable solutions, community support, and compassion training, held annually from July 19 to July 25, and is a fierce advocate of Black birthing individuals.
Kay is associated with key pieces of legislation to help improve birthing outcomes and experiences, including the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, the MOMS Matter Act, Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act, and the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act. She was also a contributor to the Raising The Bar actionable framework supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, helping the healthcare sector to embed equity and excellence throughout its work and help achieve optimal health for all.
Kay is a highly sought-after speaker, having delivered keynotes and served on panels for conferences/organizations such as Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2020 MOM, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), The Future of Maternal Care Summit, and the PUSH Stillbirth Symposium. She is a lead author of a groundbreaking research article in Health Affairs and contributed to other work in Frontiers, and her advocacy and community work have been featured in publications such as the Texas Tribune, Community Impact News, and the Houston Chronicle. She also has been featured on ABC, CBS, and NBC.
Kay also is a board member of Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2020 MOM, and MoMMa’s Voices. She was recently appointed as the Leadership Community Chair of the PCORI-funded Project through ACHP called Establishing a Research Agenda to Reduce Toxic Stress and Increase Maternal Mental Health Equity.
Kay received her degree in Early Child Care Education from North Harris Community College in Houston and is a licensed community health care worker.
Founder and Executive Director, Saul’s Light Foundation
Kimberly Novod, MPA
Kimberly is the founder and executive director of Saul’s Light Foundation, a nationally-recognized speaker, and community activist advocating for family-centered care and equitable healthcare policies, and directly serving families. She knows well the rippling impact of maternal mental health, prematurity, and infant loss - having experienced all three. Driven by the principles of tikkun olam and tzedakah, she envisions a future in which neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and bereaved families receive the comprehensive support they need to lead meaningful lives. Through Saul’s Light, Kimberly has collaborated with hospitals, service providers, and grassroots organizations to realize this vision.
Kimberly has successfully advocated for state legislation that ensures families receive a tax credit for stillborn children and that health insurance providers, including Medicaid, cover prescription human milk. In 2022 alone, Saul’s Light provided direct support to over 100 English- and Spanish-speaking families, including education, peer mentorship and financial assistance to offset travel, lodging, and counseling.
Kimberly received her B.A. in Communication and Media Studies from Xavier University of Louisiana, and her M.P.A. in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management from Troy University.
Founder & CEO, Earth Mama Organics
Melinda Olson, BSN, RN
Melinda Olson, BSN, RN is founder and CEO of Earth Mama Organics, a leading wellness company and beloved, trusted consumer brand of mother and baby care of over 20 years.
Although Melinda started her career as a nurse, she devoted her time toward the independent study of medicinal herbs and plant medicine on use in pregnant and post-partum women. She began using self-grown herbs to make organic tinctures, teas, soaps and salves, particularly for pregnant and postpartum women, their babies, and their families, as well as special products to comfort and support women who suffered stillbirth. Her part time interest blossomed into what is today a nearly $50M annual global business.
Melinda holds a B.S. in Nursing from the Oregon Health Sciences University.
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD
Our medical advisors have long and deep histories with stillbirth research, prevention, treatment and support. They remain at the forefront of helping to drive clinical practice change to reduce the unacceptably high number of preventable stillbirths in the U.S.
Founder of The Rainbow Clinic Network, Professor of Obstetrics and Director of Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester
Alexander Heazell, M.B.Ch.B. (Hons), Ph.D., M.R.C.O.G.
Alexander Heazell, MBChB (Hons), PhD, MRCOG, is Professor of Obstetrics and Director of the Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre at the University of Manchester and is the founder of the United Kingdom’s internationally renowned Rainbow Clinics, providing specialized care for parents who have experienced a stillbirth in a previous pregnancy.
Dr. Heazell is deeply committed to reducing the number of stillborn babies and improving care for bereaved parents, and splits his time between research/teaching and clinical practice, where he is beloved by his patients and has successfully delivered over a thousand Rainbow Clinic babies into their parents’ arms. He also has been instrumental in expanding the availability of Rainbow Clinic services to the U.S.
Dr. Heazell also led the evaluation of NHS England's Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle for stillbirth prevention and was the Chair of the International Stillbirth Alliance from 2013-2017 and a member of the Expert Panel on Maternity Care for the UK Government in 2021.
He has published over 230 research papers and written over 20 book chapters.
Dr. Heazell earned his MBChB with Honours from the University of Birmingham and his Ph.D. from The University of Manchester.
Founder of Mount Sinai Rainbow Clinic, Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Health System
Dr. Joanne Stone, MD, MS
Dr. Joanne Stone is one of the US’s preeminent experts in the field of Maternal Fetal Medicine and a revered prenatal care provider amongst discerning NYC moms, especially those who are expecting again after a traumatic loss. She is the founder of the first full-fledged Rainbow Clinic for seamless end-to-end pregnancy after loss care in the U.S., launched in 2022 in collaboration with PUSH, and shares PUSH’s passion for equity and inclusion, serving as her department’s Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion.
Dr. Stone is also the immediate past President of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and previously served on the executive committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). She is the co-author of Pregnancy for Dummies and The Pregnancy Bible, and has been recognized as a Top Doctor in numerous publications including New York Magazine and the New York Times for several years running.
Dr. Stone completed her residency and fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Founder, Ari Rubin Rainbow Clinic and Los Angeles Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Dr. Steve Rad, MD, FACOG
Steve Rad, MD, FACOG is an internationally renowned, highly specialized expert in obstetrics, gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies (perinatologist). Dr. Rad is among few physicians in the world with unique training and expertise in advanced diagnosis and management of a variety of fetal abnormalities and birth defects, advanced fetal ultrasound - particularly brain and heart - multiple gestations (twins, triplets, higher), and all pregnancy complications.
He is the founder of the first dedicated West Coast pregnancy after loss practice, the Ari Rubin Rainbow Clinic (founded in 2023 in collaboration with PUSH), and is currently on staff at multiple medical centers in greater Los Angeles including Cedars-Sinai, UCLA-Santa Monica, Providence St John's Santa Monica, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana, California Hospital Downtown LA, and Good Samaritan LA. Dr. Rad's hospitals are affiliated with NICUs at Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, and Children's Hospital LA.
Dr. Rad is well published, actively involved in medical societies and medical research and is a sought-after clinical teacher and mentor, having served as faculty at UCSF Medical Center; he currently serves on the teaching service at renowned UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Centers.
He has received numerous top doctor awards including Los Angeles Times Magazine and Super Doctors Rising Stars Southern California every single year since 2018.
Having completed rigorous training with highest honors at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USC, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center, as well as in London, Austria, Israel, Africa, Dr. Rad is double-board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and in OB/GYN-Maternal Fetal Medicine.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Medical Director Pediatric Palliative Care, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Dr. Terri Major-Kincade, MD, MPH, FAAP
As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UT Health Houston, Terri Major-Kincade, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a known health equity champion who fights racism in healthcare every day to help usher in the day when no baby is lost to preventable causes.
With over 20 years’ experience as a clinician, perinatal health disparities advocate, and neonatal palliative care and perinatal hospice provider, “Dr. Terri” brings a deep understanding of the issues facing parents of high-risk infants, especially those in marginalized communities.
She is a sought-after speaker and health equity advocate, has provided consulting on clinical protocols and health disparities for well-known brands, such as Pampers, entertainment programming such as Grey’s Anatomy, and has led several outreach initiatives to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes through partnerships with the March of Dimes Texas. Dr. Terri is also the author of “ Early Arrival: 9 Things Parents Need to know about life in the NICU.”
Dr. Terri earned her B.S. in Pre-Med Biology from Praire View A&M University, M.P.H in Maternal and Child Health from UCLA School of Public Health, M.D. from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and trained in Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center and in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at UTHealth Houston. She has also received certificates in Palliative Care Education, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine from Harvard Medical School, Pediatric Bioethics from Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, and Hospice and Pediatric Palliative Care (Post-Doctoral) from Baylor College of Medicine.
Founder, Blue Moon Perinatal and Tracy Shevell, MD
Dr. Tracy Shevell, MD
A Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist by training, Tracy Shevell, M.D., has pioneered a new model of care as an independent patient liaison. “Dr. Tracy” uses her clinical knowledge and expertise to help high-risk patients navigate their pregnancies, explaining in real language what is going on, advising what to ask the doctor at the next visit, and coaching them on how to approach a non-supportive partner or provider.
Prior to launching Blue Moon Perinatal, Dr. Tracy served as an attending in MFM and then became the Director of a Perinatal Ultrasound Unit at a major community and teaching hospital, where she won numerous honors as a New York/Connecticut Top Doctor, Pinnacle Health Care Professional, and Continental Who’s Who. As a two-time NICU parent herself, Dr. Tracy has the resources, knowledge, and empathy that every pregnant person needs as a complement to the clinical care patients receive from their physicians. Dr. Tracy hosts a podcast on a variety of topics germane to healthy pregnancy and provides education on social media via @tracyshevellmd.
Dr. Tracy completed her BS from Barnard University, received her M.D. from Albert Einstein School of Medicine, and completed Residency at Mt Sinai School and her Fellowship at New York Presbyterian Medical Center at Columbia University. She has also earned a Certification of Training in Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders.
Family Physician, WellSpan Medicine
James Nicholson, MD, MSCE
With decades of experience in family-centered maternity care, James Nicholson, MD, MSCE, has a long-standing passion for identifying better methods of term pregnancy management at and beyond 37 weeks’ gestation. He is uncompromisingly determined to improve mother and baby outcomes, and is known as an outspoken advocate against the strict implementation of the “39 Week Rule.”
Dr. Nicholson successfully obtained superior pregnancy outcomes for women from marginalized communities through the regular use of patient-oriented, risk-based preventive labor induction (often initiated prior to 39 weeks 0 days of gestation) and has a passion for equitable and inclusive prenatal care and unequivocal support of human rights.
Dr. Nicholson trained at the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University Medical Center and has both published a series of major journal articles and given dozens of lectures across the globe. While pursuing a M.S. in Clinical Epidemiology, he published a series of articles on the AMOR-IPAT system of identifying pregnant women who would benefit from induction before 40 weeks of gestation. Several of these publications were “editor’s choice papers” in the prestigious American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Founder, The Pregnancy Institute
Jason Collins, MD, MSCR (Retired)
Jason Collins, MD, MSCR is the world’s leading expert on umbilical cord accidents and a tireless advocate for pregnant families.
After a 30-year obstetrical career, including training with Tulane Medical Center and founding the Pregnancy Institute to study the umbilical cord’s role in why stillbirth happens, Dr. Collins has studied more than 1,000 umbilical cords and piloted the clinical use of real-time fetal heartbeat monitoring technology at home to identify and protect at-risk babies.
Dr. Collins has earned respect within the baby-loss community as a fierce advocate for pregnant families, frequently volunteering his time and expertise to coach parents through complicated pregnancies and teach them the proven strategies he has identified over decades of experience to help mothers advocate for themselves and their babies.
Dr. Collins is steadfast in his convictions that cord issues may account for a large percentage of unexplained stillbirths.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Sarah Pachtman Shetty, MD
Sarah Pachtman Shetty, M.D., is a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center on Long Island, NY, with a special interest in obstetrical critical care and maternal medical complications in pregnancy.
Dr. Pachtman Shetty educates parents and creates awareness around pregnancy complications, including stillbirth, as a trusted voice on social media, via @healthymamadoc.
Dr. Pachtman Shetty completed both her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her Fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Her research has focused on preeclampsia and tools that can be used for early diagnosis of severe features to decrease the risk of adverse outcomes for both mom and baby.
SPECIAL ADVISORS
The multi-faceted experience of stillbirth is complicated physically, mentally, and emotionally, and requires an ecosystem of healthcare professionals who understand and are empathetic to this journey. Our specialty advisors have devoted their careers to supporting pregnant and post-loss families, and the medical community who treats them.
Co-Founder of The ARIAH Foundation and Speak! Move! Change! Collective
Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW, FLDC
Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW, FLDC, is the Co-Founder of The ARIAH Foundation and the Speak! Move! Change! Collective, which created National Postpartum Awareness Week for Black, Brown & Indigenous Birthing People.
Her life experience is the subject of the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy-nominated documentary Aftershock, which chronicles her family’s journey in their fight for posthumous justice for her eldest daughter Shamony, who lost her life as part of the U.S. maternal mortality crisis.
She also is CEO of Spirit of a Woman (S.O.W.) Leadership Development Institute, through which she is able to leverage her expertise in women’s leadership, reproductive justice, racial equity, individual, couples, family and group counseling, trauma and bereavement to provide executive coaching to organizations.
She is passionate about utilizing the performing arts and storytelling to ignite transformation and initiate catharsis, and is dedicated to dismantling systemic racism through education, activation, and advocacy.
Founder and Medical Director, 1060 OBGYN
Patty Ng, MD
As the founder and medical director at 1060 OBGYN – one of the highest-reviewed private OB/GYN practices in New York City – Patty Ng, M.D. is revered by her patients for her compassion, thoughtfulness, and clinical aptitude. After suffering the tragic stillbirth of her daughter, she became a passionate advocate for helping loss moms and their families navigate subsequent pregnancies.
Dr. Ng graduated with honors from Syracuse University and SUNY Downstate Medical College, then finished her specialty training at Lenox Hill Hospital. She is also a co-founder of the women’s health product brand, Ladybits.
Founder of Hope After Loss Clinic, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Kristen Sharp, MD
Kristen Sharp, M.D., founded the Hope After Loss Clinic, the very first practice in the US dedicated solely to pregnancy after loss, in honor of her son, Caleb, who died during pregnancy.
As a practicing OBGYN and Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Sharp has equipped scores of next-generation medical professionals to harness their empathy to provide best-in-class care to families expecting again after a perinatal loss.
She earned her degrees from Washington University and the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, and completed her residency at the University of Michigan. She has been awarded numerous honors for outstanding patient care and excellence in teaching.
Founder, Mommy Labor Nurse
Liesel Teen, BSN, RN
Liesel Teen, BSN, RN is a labor and delivery nurse and the founder of Mommy Labor Nurse, which equips pregnant women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to feel in control of their pregnancy to have a better birth - no matter how they deliver.
To date, over 30,000 women have completed a Mommy Labor Nurse birth class which provides comprehensive childbirth education. In addition, she reaches an audience of hundreds of thousands via her social media account @mommy.labornurse.
OUR TEAM
UNITED BY A SHARED MISSION.
Our team of bereaved parents and stillbirth advocates are committed to tackling systemic issues head-on.