Social Entrepreneur Highlight: Danielle Champagnie

By Addison Grimm
Vital Village Networks Community Mobilization AmeriCorps VISTA

Danielle Champagnie was introduced to the ROSE training & Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) occupation by a family member; however, her start in health equity work came many years earlier when she worked as a nurse providing VNA home care. Looking back, Danielle recalls the challenges she experienced when breastfeeding her own children that at times was accompanied by a feeling of helplessness. Always having her passion set on maternal and child care, Danielle decided to take the R.O.S.E followed by Mamatoto and The healthy children training, yet when she began she did not realize how much there was to learn about lactation support and education.  Danielle is now in a leadership role as the Vital Village Network Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program Coordinator, working to support R.O.S.E and CLC peer scholars through the process of completing their training, a position she has held for over two years. Through her support in this role, Danielle was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Mentoring award through Vital Village. Though she has a busy schedule, she also supports multiple Baby Cafe lactation support groups. 

Danilelle is striving for excellence in the support for NICU families. She is certified as an LPN, CLS, LC, and an aspiring IBCLC and Doula. Danielle has first hand experience with the unique challenges that families with preterm babies may face along their breastfeeding journey, and wants to ensure these families receive the compassion and care required to support the best outcomes. After serving as a volunteer at the BMC NICU in 2021, she is now expanding her knowledge by attending a NICU course offered by LER. When asked what motivates her to assist NICU families, she replied confidently with: “ I really want this [NICU support/group] to grow.  I really want to reach these moms. That is my passion."

Resources: 
www.bmc.org/NICU
www.marchforbabies.org 
www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity
www.preemie.com

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