hi I'm Joanne

A devoted Maternal Newborn Registered Nurse and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), with over 24 years of experience supporting families during one of the most important transitions in life: welcoming a new baby. From the earliest days of my nursing career, I’ve been drawn to the unique and powerful bond between parents and their newborns. 

For seven of those years, I worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, where I gained extensive experience caring for premature and medically complex infants. This work deepened my understanding of how birth trauma, early medical interventions, and separation can impact both feedings and emotional regulation - for babies and parents. 

My passion lies in helping families navigate feeding — whether that means supporting a new parent through their first breastfeeding session or troubleshooting challenges with difficult feeders. I specialize in premature infants, oral restrictions, traumatic births, and babies who struggle with bottle skills. 

As a trauma-informed clinician, I offer care that is not only clinical but also deeply attuned to the emotion needs of families. I support parents who are recovering from stressful, unexpected, or traumatic birth experiences, and babies who carry that imprint in their bodies and feeding patterns. My goal is to bring safety, connection, and confidence back into the feeding relationship. 

Every baby is different, and I’m here to help you understand what your baby needs and how to support them with confidence and care.

In my consultations, I integrate evidence-based practices with holistic approaches, including infant massage and rhythmic movement. These gentle, nurturing techniques support not only feeding and digestion, but also bonding, regulation, and development - especially important for families recovering from early challenges. 

Outside of my work, I’ve been married for twenty years and am the proud mom of two teenage boys who keep life fun and busy. Our home is also shared with a very talkative Irish Setter and an equally opinionated cat. When I’m not working with families, you can find me walking, listening to audiobooks, or dancing — I have a special love for ballroom dancing that brings me joy and balance.

I believe that with the right support, every family can feel empowered and connected in their parenting journey. I’m honored to walk alongside you as you care for your little one - especially when the road has been anything by easy.