A Bit About Me
Personally?
I think what best describes me is that I am a much different mother then the imaginary mother I thought I would be. And that isn't bad. It's just been harder. And better. And I have changed and grown so much. And still am making room for new seasons of life.
I get to live in Kennewick, Washington, USA with my super supportive husband and our three young children. We currently have too many chickens and I struggle daily to keep my home tidy....and not because of the chickens. Let's be honest, I can think of a lot of things I'd rather be doing then the dishes.
I am passionate about breastfeeding, mood struggles, new parenthood and especially passionate about families. I love listening to stories, telling stories, and being outside. If I could, I would be backpacking all year long, maybe someday. And I love learning everything I can. I always try to work part-time as being at home with my kids is very important to me, because of this I am able to adapt both my home-life and work-life to what works best for me and my clients.
Maybe I'll see you at a class, or during pregnancy or you'll listen to me drivel on at circle group or hand you tissues at our postpartum visit or or chat after your baby is a year old. No matter when we finally connect...I can't wait to meet you!
-Susan
Professionally?
I am passionate about family-centered, patient empowered and evidence based care. I have been working with families since 2011 after defending my master's thesis, getting pregnant, and then deciding to open a cloth diapering store--a unexpected path for sure! During the next 5 years I operated a retail storefront focused on families and sustainability, and created a beautiful environment where families where welcomed into a home-like space to connect and find support. Our couches were rarely empty. It was during this time I started my mentorship under Chris, my beloved mentor. I had always been interested in breastfeeding and nursing, and was an active participant in our local La Leche League. Under her guidance my knowledge and compassion grew. I have been in private practice as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) since 2017. Every year I have continued to learn as often as I am able, particularly in the areas of tongue tie, body tension, the impact of pregnancy and birth on breastfeeding, and pumping. I really believe in a collaborative care approach between parents and providers and am always extending my network of providers I refer to and can add to our care team! I have been leading support groups for 10 years and helping families with infant feeding for nearly 5 years, I also teach prenatal infant feeding classes to help families prepare for this new journey!
My practice is always evolving and changing to be better, and I hope, so am I!
-Educational Highlights-
Best Practices in Lactation Support, Evergreen Perinatal Education (2016)
Dr. Gaheri Tongue Tie Seminar (2015)
IBCLC Mentorship (2015-2017) Mentor Christine Betts Olsen, RN, IBCLC
Master of Biology, Central Washington University (2011)
Bachelor of Science, Central Washington University (2008)