Counselors at Mattapan Hugs n Play
Adrienne Brown, Peer Counselor
I am a mother of three healthy brilliant boys. An interior designer and do marketing for small growing business. My interests are bettering the bond between black families: mother, father and child. 
Jowal-Lisa Walden, Peer Counselor
Hey y'all! My name is Lisa and I'm a wellness and self- care advocate in the Boston area. I currently work as a sex health educator for the Black and Brown youth and young people in our community. I am passionate about sex-positivity, queer-friendly spaces and empowering Black folx to make their own healthy, informed decisions. As a volunteer, I hope to embody feelings of compassion and emoathy to ensure those I work with feel comfortable in their environments and the decisions they make within those environments 
Satara Halfkenny-Wilson, Peer Counselor
I am a new birth Doula and stay at home mother of seven, 6 girls and 1 boy. I was a teen mom and began my breastfeeding journey 29 years ago, when it was “taboo.” With very little support, I persevered and breastfed them all. I would like to use my life experiences to empower and support new families, on their beautiful and nurturing journey. |
Vickey Siggers, Peer Counselor
Vickey is a wife, mother of two, grandmother of one, Mattapan Family Engagement Program Coordinator, Member of the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, Mattapan Square Farmers' Market Manager, and Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) Community Transformer. She became a peer counselor to encourage moms, dad, and families and to share information about breastfeeding. 
Keyla Kelley, Peer Counselor, CLC
Keyla is a certified child life specialist and earned her BS and MS from Wheelock College. She currently works at a non-profit offering anticipatory grief and bereavement support to children. Keyla has a one year old breastfed son. Keyla is passionate about bringing high quality child and family centered services to low-income and diverse communities. |
Counselors at Codman Square Health Center
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Keyla Kelley, Peer Counselor, CLC
Keyla is a certified child life specialist and earned her BS and MS from Wheelock College. She currently works at a non-profit offering anticipatory grief and bereavement support to children. Keyla has a one year old breastfed son. Keyla is passionate about bringing high quality child and family centered services to low-income and diverse communities. 
Alexa Saint-Fort Canton, Peer Counselor
My name is Alexa and I am a mother of a sassy little girl and very energized boy, both breastfed. I recently graduated from UMass Boston with my BS in Biology and my ultimate goal is to become a midwife and support women through pregnancy, childbirth and post partum. I am currently a First Teacher Parent Leader and a 4th year Jumpstart Corps member. My world revolves around families with young children and I wouldn't have it any other way. 
Joann Thelusma, Peer Counselor
My name is Joann Thelusma and I am a birth and postpartum doula who supports families in Boston, Massachusetts. I am the owner of Aila Birth Village, a doula and maternal support service for expecting families. I have a passion for women's health and optimal infant's health outcomes. I so look forward to extending my services to include breastfeeding support for local families. 
Yolanda Scales, Peer Counselor
My name is Yolanda Scales, I'm a past nursing graduate with a special interest in women's health and maternity. As I prepare to receive my nursing license, I work at Boston Medical Center in Laboratory Medicine. Also, I'm looking to become a Birth Sister. I'm excited and passionate to learn, encourage, and advise women about self care and health benefits of breastfeeding through peer counseling. |
Cynthia Brown, Peer Counselor
I've been working in healthcare for over 15yrs and recently became affiliated with BPC thru church outreach. I'm enroll in Human Services so very grateful for this platform to learn and giveback to the community 
Maud Paul-Honore, Peer Counselor
Hello, My name is Maud Paul-Honore Social Worker at BMC Happy to be here. 
Waetie Sanaa Cooper Burnette, CLC
Waetie Sanaa Cooper Burnette has been elated to serve as a Rose Community Transformer, breastfeeding peer counselor, and blogger for the Vital Village community and Boston Breastfeeding Coalition since 2016. Waetie Sanaa is a few courses away from completing her Masters at Lesley University, focusing on early childhood education, learning through the arts, and lactation support for new parents. This educational experience, along with her five years of continuous breastfeeding of her two kids, have greatly informed her commitment to writing about parenting, educational advocacy and access, and women’s health. She is passionate about sharing her experiences as a breastfeeding mom and encouraging other moms to make breastfeeding fit into their lives. When she is not working with breastfeeding moms, you can find Waetie Sanaa, and her kids, Nathanael, and Charlotte, building community at the Canopy Co-op: http://canopycoop.weebly.com/ Boston's first kid friendly housing co-op, which brings together so many of our family's life loves: cooking, nutrition, community, play, homeschooling, creativity, social justice, and service. You can read more about Waetie Sanaa's journey, here: http://www.lifetogethercommunity.org/blog/messy-but-whole-by-waetie-sanaa-kumahia |
Counselors at Boston Medical Center
Emily Sylvester MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC
Emily provides nutrition therapy and breastfeeding education at Boston Medical Center and Brockton Neighborhood Health Center. She has worked in pediatric nutrition for over 6 years and has been a certified lactation counselor for over 4 years. Emily volunteers weekly at the Boston Medical Center Baby Café. In her free time she raises 2 young daughters and publishes a breastfeeding blog called nurturetalks.com (@nurturetalks). 
Melody Lopez, CLC
I'm a mother of 5 and a staunch breastfeeding supporter. I have nursed all of my children for over 2 years each and have happily provided breastfeeding support to all those who have asked me for the past 20+ years. It is my hope to be able to advise or teach in groups empowering others to do the same. |
Myriam Guerrier, Peer Counselor
Noica Finger, CLC
I'm here to help the community increase breastfeeding one breast at a Time. I love and care for all those around me. Being the breastfeeding mom has been the most rewarding yet most challenging thing I have ever done. 
Yolonda Hughes, Peer Counselor
I am a single mother of 2 great boys. I love helping people and looking forward to this opportunity to helping other mothers |
Counselors at Women-Centered Healing Community (The Guild)
Dominique Bellegarde, CLC
Serving People of Color: Hello, my name is Dominique. Let's celebrate families to become part of the Virtual Mother Healing Center: through Zoom. Please bring your baby, oil, music equipment and words of encouragement as we connect for an hour or more. Starting at 11am on Tuesdays focusing peaceful musical moments with your virtual family. Pregnant & Breastfeeding & Toddlers are Welcome. |
Gloria Vasquez, Peer Counselor
I'm a community healthcare worker for high risk pregnant mom. I educate and support moms during their pregnancy. I provide help with resources. I speak Spanish |
Counselors at Upham's Corner Health Center
Euness Cirino, Peer Counselor, CLC
I am certified lactation counselor who wants to continue to learning more about breastfeeding and wanting to learn more on how to support my sisters and other woman who want to breastfeed in my community. 
Vivian Izuchi, Peer Counselor, CLC
I have a MAT Degree in Elementary Education. I have more than 15 years of community outreach experience in Boston involving families of young children. I am the mother of 3 daughters who were all breastfed. |
Takiya Anthony-Price, Peer Counselor
Hi! My name is Takiya and I'm a mother of two. I may not look it, but my motherhood journey started 11 years ago. My co-parent carried our 1st and I carried our second--and the hardest and most trying time thus far was breastfeeding. And like many things I encounter that were difficult, I lean into wanting to take care of those who may also being going through the same struggle. Professionally I've worn many hats, from hospitality to operations. I come with nothing but love and support to assist you through your breastfeeding journey. |
Counselors at Family Nurturing Center
Danielle Champagnie, Peer Counselor
Hello, my name is Danielle Champagnie. I’m a mother of four with one granddaughter. I’m also an Licensed Practical Nurse with 20 years experience. I’m very compassionate about providing education, support and hope to empower Women. |
Counselor at South End Community Health Center
Haleemah Ahmad, CLC
I have worked in an OB/GYN office for many years. A few years ago I took a doula training course that awakened the birth-worker that has always been inside of me. As a student doula I have worked with wonderful families, and when they had questions or difficulty breastfeeding I had to point them in another direction. I am hoping to gain the knowledge and understanding to give the proper lactation support to my clients and my community. I am on an exciting journey to fulfill my dream of becoming an IBCLC, and Midwife. Most importantly I am mom to two amazing daughters, one of which I breastfeed for 3 years. |
Charise Simmons, Peer Counselor
Hello, my is name Charise Simmons Im currently working for Boston Public Health Commission Healthy Baby Health Child program as a Public Health Advocate for about 4yrs. I work with prenatal, postpartum mom’s and families that have kids up to 5yrs of age. I am currently a doula, certify ECE Educator. I ‘am passion as well as providing supporting to mom’s and family around social/emotional awareness. 
Jaminette Cruz-Calderas, Peer Counselor
Jaminette a mother of three, 2 colleges and a 10 years old who was breastfeed for 6 years. work in health care environment for almost 15 years and the last 3 years as a case management with prenatal patients. Focus in working with the barriers, difficulties, and struggles that prenatal patients are having while given then out strategies and tools to be successful. |
Counselors at Boston Children's Museum
Chellamal Keshavan, Peer Counselor, CLC
I am excited to pursue breastfeeding and postpartum work through a social justice lens. I attended Wheelock College, where the mission reads in part, 'Improving the lives of children and families' and I have always wanted my work to live up to that statement. After years of work with children and families, I trained as a birth doula shortly after having my own two children. I have recently taken on the role of Interim Executive Director at BACE-NMC and I look forward to partnering with local voices towards common goals. |
Leonie Cesvette, Peer Counselor
Retired parent and grandparent; Fire Starter and activist. I am a trained Doula and looking forward to gaining invaluable skills to share 
Vilma Vejar, Peer Counselor
Hi my name is Vilma Vejar. I have breastfed and am raising four people. I am committed to supporting Women of Color in the endeavor of nursing their babes until they, moms, are ready to end the adventure. 'Chichis' nourish growing bodies and are not to be leered solely. 'Women Power' includes intensr intimate connections with our families & communities! |
Other Counselors
Amy Arrington, CLC
Amy was born and raised in Roxbury, Massachusetts. She currently works as medical assistant in an Ob/Gyn office. Amy also volunteers with the Boston Doula Project, which works to support reproductive justice by offering full spectrum services - including abortion and pregnancy loss support. She says that working with the Boston Breastfeeding Coalition "feels likes a puzzle-piece on the road to becoming a midwife." 
Armani Tillery, Peer Counselor
My name is Armani, I am a 21 year old Medical Assistant in OB/GYN hoping to further my knowledge in Women’s Health. I love to read, organize, & explore new things. I absolutely love babies and look forward to helping women within my community. 
Brenda Terrero, Peer Counselor
Currently, I am a doula in training and a nursing student in the BHCC ADN program. As an empowered Afrolatina from Boston whom eventually wants to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, I seek to empower women of color in the community throughout their own unique birth process. I also want to spread as much birth education knowledge as I can amongst women in the community and even my own peers. 
Celina Chan, RD, CLC
I am a Registered Dietitian currently residing in the Greater Boston Area. I work with families of infants & children in a NICU follow-up clinic as well as a clinic for children diagnosed with Failure to Thrive. I am passionate about supporting the health of children and their families! 
Christine Fischer-Rothman, IBCLC
I have a lifelong passion for everything having to do with birth, newborns and the formation of a new family. For the last 25 years I have explored this wonderful field professionally, from practicing as a physician in a NICU in my native Germany, internships with a homebirth midwife, researching and writing a thesis about “Kangaroo care for prematurely born infants” and becoming certified as trainer in NIDCAP ”Individualized Developmental Care of Prematurely Born Infants”. After the births of my boys and some time working from home I started teaching childbirth classes and worked as a postpartum doula. In 2015 I became certified as an IBCLC and love working in private practice as Lactation Consultant. 
Jacqueline Evans, Peer Counselor
Jacqueline Evans is a Parent Partner at South End Family Engagement Network and also does Welcome Baby visits. Jackie is a mother of four and in the future plans to become a psychologist. 
Jehovanie Robert, Peer Counselor
Hello my name is Jehovanie Robert and I am excited to work with the mothers in the community. I currently work for Boston Medical assisting pregnant mothers through their pregnancies and births. I have a strong desire to help mothers and infants and I am willing to volunteer to do so. 
Katia Powell, Peer Counselor
Katia “HealthGuru” Powell is the CEO & Founder of Black Girls Nutrition (BGN), the 1st nutrition company for Millennial Women of Color to help break the cycle of dieting, lose weight, and connect with other dieters. They provide clients an experience that is social, fun, and easily integrated into daily life. Katia personally lost 200lbs with work as an Holistic Health Practitioner & Motivational Speaker. She has over a decade of experience in healthcare, as well as five years of Doctoral Studies with expertise involving the areas of obesity prevention, nutrition, food deserts, food access, and racial and ethnic health disparities. BGN’s mission is to inspire black women & girls to make eating healthy and living a Healthy Lifestyle the “easy” choice and a priority in their life. Katia has been trained as a ROSE Community Transformer to provide breastfeeding support to parents as they navigate their infants’ first nutritional experiences. "Our Health is our Biggest Wealth, and we must invest in our future, thereby passing on the assets of healthy living to future generations.” -Katia Powell 
Ketsia Fevrin, Peer Counselor
I am currently working as a Pediatric Primary Care Patient Navigator at Boston Medical Center. I work with a lot of high risk patients and low-income families. I became interested in breastfeeding my first year working at BMC. We had a great program called The Nesting Clinic which provided breastfeeding support to our mothers in clinic, but unfortunately no longer. I thought it was a great resource for our families and I wanted to get the education to provide some support to the clinic and our families. 
Linda Brennan, Peer Counselor
I'm a single mother who has been exclusively breastfeeding my daughter since June 22, 2016. I've learned so much from this experience, and from attending Baby Cafes and the Peer Counselor training. I hope to use this knowledge to help other parents. 
Lori Caiby, CLC
Hello, my name is Lori Caiby and I have been with the Healthy Baby Healthy Child Program/Boston Public Health Commission for six years. My role is Public Health Advocate II and coordinator for the Partners in Parent Program and Summer Enrichment Program. I work with pre-, post-, and inter-conceptual women and their families, providing advocacy and social support. 
Margareth Siburn, Peer Counselor
My name is Margareth Sibrun, I am from Haiti, I speak French, Haitian Creole and English I got my Bachelor at Salem State University, Business Administration with a minor on Human Biology I started Nursing School at Northeastern University right after I graduated from Salem State. I took a break from Nursing school due to my relationship with now my husband. I started working at BMC as a staffing coordinator after my graduation, then transfer to work as a certified nursing assistant since I was in nursing school. now I currently doing admission for the hospital while running my business during busy season. I have to employee. 
Myrca Augustin, Peer Counselor
I'm a mother of 6 children (from college to childcare), I have breastfed all my children longest being a 1year and shortest 6 month. It's an experience that changes and always learning all at the same time. 
Nora Tague, Peer Counselor
My name is Nora.Two lovely girls Cecelia Jade and Sienna Pearl call me mama! They both nursed for 2 years and are now 3rd and 5th graders! I have a long history of non profit work with women in the Boston area; homeless, low income as well as those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. I currently work with recovering mothers and high risk babies in a residential setting. I am seeking further knowledge to share with my breastfeeding curious mamas! 
Rosangela Fuentes, Peer Counselor
I work for a non profit with low income families with children from 0 to 5 years. Some of my clients have infants, would love to teach them about breast feeding. 
Sharon Adler, Peer Counselor
I am originally from Rhode Island, but now live on the North Shore with my husband and four children. I previously worked as a nurse-midwife before staying home to raise my children. In my spare time, I enjoy knitting, running and community volunteer work. 
Sarah Todaro, RN, Peer Counselor
Hi, I'm Sarah! I’m a loving mother to two little boys. Currently, I am working as a nurse on a busy medical floor at a local teaching hospital. I enjoy reading science fiction novels, scrapbooking, writing, and attending live shows. My interests include maternal and infant health, holistic medicine and promoting breastfeeding. 
Sherley Belizaire, Peer Counselor
Registered Nurse, BSN Advocate for Health Equity and Social Justice. 
Ylisse Bess, Peer Counselor
I love music, having fun, and connecting with people. I am a full spectrum doula hoping to support my community through reproductive justice work. I want to provide breastfeeding support to my community so we can have healthy and happy babies and parents! |
Altemis Jaquez Diaz, Peer Counselor
I work for South Boston Neighborhood house, however I have worked for non-profit since 2013. love to work with families helping them set goals and work hard to achieve them. 
.Amina P. Muhammad, Peer Counselor
I am a mother of 4, raised 6 altogether. I breastfed all four children. I am a identical twin. I do spoken word. I also have worked in the area of early ed. and women who suffer from substance abuse with their children. I am a level two Reiki practitioner. I will studying to become a yoga instructor in spring 2018. I have seven grandchildren. 
Aysia Wanner, CLC, Peer Counselor
Bryana Stover, Peer Counselor
My name is Bryana Stover and I am a mother of four. I’ve nursed all of my children,including my twins & still nursing my 2 year old. I hope to be able to give back to my community in the way that I’ve received on my continuous journey of breastfeeding. 
Castagna Lacet, Peer Counselor
My name is Castagna Lacet. I teach full time in the School of Social Work at Bridgewater State University. Before earning my PhD and teaching, I practiced as an MSW social worker in the areas of family violence as well as school support for families. I am bilingual in English and Haitian Creole and look forward to working with families in my community. 
Chelsea MacDonald, CLC, Peer Counselor
Chelsea is the Program Manager for StreetCred, a nonprofit focused on helping low-income families with free tax preparation and other financial services. Prior to working at StreetCred, Chelsea was the Chief Grants and Development officer for an African nonprofit working to help alleviate childhood poverty. She is the mother of 2 incredible children and is driven by her passion for health equity and women's health. 
Cynda Pinto, Peer Counselor
I was born and raised in Boston. I am a mother of four and breastfed all of my children. I enjoy being a support person to other moms I know in the community. I attended the ROSE training because I wanted to be better prepared with resources and information for breastfeeding moms. I also speak Spanish fluently. 
Irva Veillard, Peer Counselor
My name is Irva Veillard and I am a mother of three. I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding as I have seen first-hand its benefits in all my children. I have dedicated my life to serving communities and addressing health issues. I am currently in a position where I not only contribute to substantial laboratory research focused on addressing the complexities of chronic kidney disease and cancer, but am also working to empower immigrant families in the greater Boston area. My passion for health equity and women's health drives me to do the work I do. 
Jessica Gonzalez, Peer Counselor
My name is Jessica Gonzalez. I am a program coordinator at Smart from the Start. I work with Mothers who are expecting and others who have their child and need support around breastfeeding. I have a Bachelors in Social Work and plan to always have a career in the field of helping families. 
Joyce Clark, Peer Counselor
I was certified in 1998 as a Doula with the Cambridge Birth center. Through that experience I have kept my studies current and continue to support families. I feel committed to our communities and feel honored every time a family request my time. 
Katiuska Viera, Peer Counselor, B.A., Outreach Health Educator
Katiuska is a PSE (Problem Solving Education) Educator, who provide support to families dealing with stress and depression. She is responsible for outreach to families, make home visits. Katiuska also assists families in accessing community resources and helps families to solve problems that interfere with obtaining care and support for their child and their family. 
Kelliann DeRosa, Peer Counselor
Hi, I’m a mother of two children Aubrey (3yr) and Gohan (9months) and a stay at home mom. I am currently EBF with Gohan! (9months strong). I’m a licensed CNA but I took a break from it to stay home and nurse Gohan. I’m very passionate about normalizing breast-feeding, I hope one day shaming mothers for breast-feeding in public will be a thing in the past! I’d love to become more educated on breastfeeding and encourage new moms and moms to be to breast-feed. 
Kristal, Peer Counselor
Kristal was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts although she has strong family ties to Honduras. Kristal's mother and grandmother breastfed their children and she is proud to have carried on the tradition with her 3 children. As a mother and a peer counselor, Kristal knows how different each child can be and how important it is to learn different techniques for each unique baby. 
Lisa White, Peer Counselor
Hi my name is Lisa White I work for Boston Public Health Commission Healthy Baby Health Child program as a Public Health Advocate for the last 13 years. I work with pregnant women/families from pregnancy to 5 years after birth. I recently became a Doula and need to have more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the importance of breastfeeding to share with my clients. Thank you for the opportunity to gain that knowledge I so desire. 
Lotachi Izuchi, CLC
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist certified in pre- and perinatal massage therapy, a prenatal and postpartum doula, and a Certified Lactation Counselor. I've been working with new and expecting moms and families for about 4 years now. I've worked with women during conception, birth and even loss, and I'm honored to provide support to women during this life changing time of transition into motherhood. After attending both the CLC and ROSE training, I feel prepared to serve women more fully during their perinatal time. Learn more about Lotachi's work at UbuntuMobileMassage.com. 
Madeline "Mimi" Tovar, Peer Counselor
Mimi is a proud mother of five. She is a passionate advocate for children's education, low-income families in her community, and now breastfeeding. Her favorite things to do are journal and drink coffee. Mimi is also an artist at heart and has studied Architecture at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She speaks both Spanish and English and hopes that one day she'll find the time to learn the cool language of Japanese. 
Mikel Jones, Peer Counselor
My name is Mikel, my pronouns are she, her, they, and them. I am a mother of 2, currently breastfeeding one. I am extremely passionate about social justice. I look forward to learning and helping teach the breastfeeding community how to be more inclusive. 
Nneka Hall, Peer Counselor
Nneka is an Ordained Minister, a 2016 US of Women's Summit Nominated Changemaker, a Full Spectrum Doula (Birth, P.A.I.L., Postpartum, a. International Bereavement Specialist, a Community Centered Herbalist, a Crystal Healer, Uterine Health Educator, Certified Birth Educator in Training and a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Advocate. www.facebook.com/QUILT2014 https://sites.google.com/site/pailaunity/home 
Regina Lewis, Peer Counselor
I am a lifelong Boston resident and have three amazing children, all of whom were successfully breastfed for a year- with the exception of my third, who nursed quite a bit longer. For more than 10 years I have worked in Health Care and have embraced my role as a hospice nursing assistant. I have been honored to be a caring and supportive staff member to both clients and their families. When I am not writing I enjoy music/movement, family building and being apart of St Mary's Church community in Dorchester where social justice and equality are demonstrated. 
Stephanie Joseph, Peer Counselor
Stephanie "Be" is a 25-year-old power house. A Florida native who has earned the right to call Boston home, having lived here half of her life. She will share with you her admiration for both places and her love of Haitian culture in which her roots run deep. She carries with her a deep respect for her stories and a desire to know yours. She listens in a way that is genuine and pure, putting you all at once at ease. When she speaks she is kind, intelligent, and self-assured. As a middle child of 5, she naturally brings people together with her fun and positive spirit as well as her ability to see things from many perspectives. Specifically, she is inspired by the views of women in her community. Throughout her life she has been driven to empower herself, the women around her, and the divine that dances in all of us. Her ultimate vision is bringing together a tribe of women; to heal wounds, ease burdens, share hope, create joy, and transform the world. Her work as a Holistic Birth Advocate, Midwife Student, Certified Child Birth Educator, Female activist and Self- Learner of Life are only the beginning. She has so much to offer. |
Chelsea MacDonald, CLC, Peer Counselor
Berthilde Sylvestre, Peer Counselor
Celestina Jones-De Jesus, CLC, Peer Counselor
Danubia Camargos Silva, Peer Counselor
Dolores Cox, Peer Counselor
Isylah Haynes, Peer Counselor
Jenny Weaver, RN, IBCLC
Jillianne Porcher-Wells, CLC
Joanne Cotard-Wolff, Peer Counselor
Miriam Segura-Harrison, MD, CLC
Monica Johnson, Peer Counselor
Priscila Godoi, Peer Counselor
Sandy Sachs, Peer Counselor
Shetara Smith, Peer Counselor
Stephanie Joseph, Peer Counselor
Sunday Taylor, Peer Counselor
Timika Hopkins, CLC
Berthilde Sylvestre, Peer Counselor
Celestina Jones-De Jesus, CLC, Peer Counselor
Danubia Camargos Silva, Peer Counselor
Dolores Cox, Peer Counselor
Isylah Haynes, Peer Counselor
Jenny Weaver, RN, IBCLC
Jillianne Porcher-Wells, CLC
Joanne Cotard-Wolff, Peer Counselor
Miriam Segura-Harrison, MD, CLC
Monica Johnson, Peer Counselor
Priscila Godoi, Peer Counselor
Sandy Sachs, Peer Counselor
Shetara Smith, Peer Counselor
Stephanie Joseph, Peer Counselor
Sunday Taylor, Peer Counselor
Timika Hopkins, CLC
