In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Heather Johnson, an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley with a 19-year career on the Institutional Equity Electronic Trading Desk, and the founder of the Love for Liam Foundation. Heather established the foundation in honor of her son Liam, whose brief but powerful life continues to inspire her mission to advance epilepsy research and improve outcomes for families facing similar diagnoses.

Heather is also a devoted mother to Emma (8) and Mia (2), and she brings both her professional leadership experience and deeply personal journey into her advocacy work. Through community engagement, philanthropy, and storytelling, Heather is committed to ensuring Liam’s life continues to make an impact.

On today’s episode:

• Heather shares her journey to starting a family and welcoming her children.
• Her experience welcoming her son Liam and the medical challenges that followed.
• Being transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the emotions that accompanied that transition.
• Navigating life in the hospital while supporting her daughter at home.
• How the hospital team supported her and her family during an incredibly difficult time.
• Reflections on what she wishes she had known and what she hopes other families can learn from her experience.
• How Heather honors Liam’s life today and keeps him present within her family.
• Talking about loss with her daughters and helping them understand their brother’s story.
• What inspired her to give back through fundraising and the creation of the Love for Liam Foundation.
• An update on how her daughters are doing today.

Heather’s story is one of profound love, resilience, and purpose. This episode offers heartfelt insight into navigating loss while continuing to show up for living children, and how honoring a child’s legacy can create meaningful change for families and communities alike.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Emily Rosen, a mother, freelance creative director, copywriter, and children’s book author. Emily has built her career working with leading advertising agencies and global brands, always aiming to use her creativity to uplift women, mothers, and children. Inspired by her son Max’s time in the NICU, she wrote her debut children’s book with the hope of helping families like hers feel seen, supported, and understood.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Emily now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, she loves running through her neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading bedtime stories with her kids.

On today’s episode:

• Emily shares her family’s journey to welcoming Max and what led them into the NICU.
• How little she knew about the NICU before entering it herself—and what she wishes she had known.
• The practices and coping tools that helped her get through each day in the NICU.
• How she stayed connected to Max while he remained in the hospital and she returned home.
• What inspired her to write her new children’s book and why she chose to help families through storytelling.
• Writing from the perspective of siblings and cousins, and how she captured their emotions in her book.
• An update on how Max is doing today.

Emily’s story highlights the emotional realities of NICU parenthood and the power of turning lived experience into creative support for others. Her work reminds families that their feelings matter, their stories matter, and their children’s journeys—whether big or small—deserve to be honored and shared.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Nicole Nyberg, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC—Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, clinical specialist, educator, author, advocate, and founder of Empowering NICU Parents. Nicole earned her BSN from Purdue University and her MSN from Rush University, and today she practices as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner while also serving as a Clinical Specialist for AngelEye Health.

Nicole’s passion for supporting NICU families is deeply personal. After her son William was born at just 23 weeks, she devoted her career to empowering NICU parents and clinicians through education, advocacy, and family-integrated care. She serves as Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee on the Family-Centered Care Task Force, has authored and co-authored numerous publications, and created Our NICU Roadmap, a guided journal designed to support families through the NICU journey. Nicole is also the CEO and founder of the nonprofit Empowering NICU Parents and host of the Empowering NICU Parents Podcast.

On today’s episode:

• Nicole shares her journey into nursing and what inspired her to specialize in neonatal care.
• Her pregnancy experience and the birth of her son William at 23 weeks.
• An introduction to Family-Integrated Care and why it is so critical in the NICU.
• Nicole’s own NICU journey, including her family’s transfer to a different hospital.
• The biggest lessons learned during her extended NICU stay.
• The mission behind Empowering NICU Parents and the resources available to families.
• Where listeners can find her podcast and additional educational tools.
• An update on how William is doing today.

Nicole’s story beautifully blends professional expertise with the lived experience of a NICU parent. Her work highlights the profound impact of parent engagement, advocacy, and compassionate support on the entire NICU journey. This episode offers invaluable guidance and encouragement for families navigating the NICU and for professionals dedicated to improving family-centered care.

Dr. Jason Baxter | Advancing Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Supporting Families Through High-Risk Pregnancy

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jason K. Baxter, MD, MSCP, FACOG, a nationally recognized Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jefferson Health. With more than two decades of experience at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Dr. Baxter has led inpatient obstetrics, built research programs, and mentored future physicians through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program.

Dr. Baxter’s path to medicine began after earning an engineering degree from Princeton University, where he met his wife, Heather. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed residency and fellowship training in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, along with a Master’s in Human Investigation. His three children were born at the very hospitals where he trained, giving him both professional and personal insight into the care of high-risk pregnancies.

Throughout his career, Dr. Baxter has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and has been honored for clinical care, research, teaching, and leadership. His research interests include prediction and prevention of preterm birth, pharmacology in pregnancy, and evidence-based obstetric care. He also serves on Maternal Mortality Review Committees for both Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.

On today’s episode:

• What led Dr. Baxter to a career in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and what his role entails.
• When families can expect to be referred to Maternal-Fetal Medicine during pregnancy.
• The number-one question families ask—and what they should be asking at their first MFM appointment.
• How the medical approach to bedrest has evolved and what that means for families today.
• Understanding the care team: OB, MFM, and NICU—and whether families can request a collaborative team meeting to discuss a birth plan.
• A meaningful story from Dr. Baxter’s career and how it shaped his perspective as a clinician and leader.
• His biggest advice for families navigating high-risk pregnancy or preparing for the possibility of NICU care.

Dr. Baxter’s expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient-centered care provide clarity and reassurance for families experiencing complex pregnancies. This episode offers valuable education to help families feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Nicole Lewis-Keeber, MSW, LCSW—Business Therapist, author, leadership coach, and a thought leader at the intersection of trauma and entrepreneurship. Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work and extensive experience working as both a therapist and a coach. She trained directly with Brené Brown and is certified in The Daring Way™ and Dare to Lead™ methodologies. Nicole has been featured in major media outlets including NPR and Fast Company for her work in breaking the stigma around mental health and business ownership.

Nicole’s approach is grounded in understanding the impact trauma has on how people show up in their relationships, careers, and personal lives. She is passionate about helping individuals—especially leaders and caregivers—recognize how their past experiences influence the way they navigate stress, responsibility, and emotional resilience.

On today’s episode:

• Nicole shares her professional background and what led her into trauma-focused work.
• Her experience training with Brené Brown and the most powerful lessons from that process.
• Understanding what trauma really is and the different ways it can show up in someone’s life.
• Why many people don’t realize they have experienced trauma and how it can resurface during high-stress situations.
• How the lens of trauma applies to NICU parents and families navigating fear, uncertainty, and medical trauma.
• Breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging individuals to seek support.
• Nicole’s biggest piece of advice for those processing trauma or carrying emotional burden.
• Where listeners can learn more about Nicole’s work and access her resources.

Nicole’s insight sheds light on the emotional weight NICU families carry—and offers tools to help them move from survival to healing. This episode empowers listeners to recognize their own emotional experiences and understand that healing is not only possible, but deeply deserved.

Darcy Walker Krause | Understanding and Navigating Grief in All Its Forms

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Darcy Walker Krause, Founder and CEO of Grieve to Thrive, LLC. With an impressive career spanning both law and social work, Darcy has dedicated her life to grief education, advocacy, and organizational leadership. After earning her Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law and practicing labor and employment law for five years, Darcy shifted her focus, earning her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, she has spent over a decade supporting individuals and organizations through the complexities of grief and loss.

Darcy previously served as Executive Director of the Uplift Center for Grieving Children in Philadelphia, where she led transformational growth and supported countless families through loss. Today, through Grieve to Thrive, she provides grief-focused consulting, workshops, and educational services, helping workplaces and communities foster a grief-informed culture.

On today’s episode:

• What inspired Darcy to transition from law to grief education and family support.
• How her personal experience losing her mother at a young age shaped her passion for this work.
• The different types of grief and how they can manifest in daily life.
• How NICU families can navigate the sense of loss that comes with premature birth or extended NICU stays.
• The importance of allowing space and time to grieve—and how families can recognize when they need support.
• Understanding the complex emotions that often accompany grief, especially in the NICU experience.
• Darcy’s biggest piece of advice for families learning to live, heal, and grow through loss.

Darcy’s wisdom and compassion offer invaluable perspective for families and professionals alike. This episode sheds light on the many forms of grief, emphasizing that healing begins when we give ourselves permission to acknowledge, understand, and embrace the process.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Thiviya Selvanathan, a neonatal neurologist and clinician scientist at BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Selvanathan’s groundbreaking research uses advanced brain imaging to explore how early-life brain injury and NICU clinical care influence brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Her work provides vital insights into how the smallest patients grow, heal, and thrive beyond the NICU.

On today’s episode:

• Dr. Selvanathan shares her background and what inspired her to specialize in neonatal neurology.
• An overview of her current research on brain development and injury in premature babies.
• The connection between pain and brain development in NICU infants.
• Guidance for parents navigating uncertainty after a diagnosis such as brain bleeds.
• The most common questions families ask in the NICU—and how providers can best support them.
• The lasting importance of post-NICU care and early intervention in supporting brain growth.
• Memorable moments and stories from families that have shaped her perspective as a clinician.
• Her biggest piece of advice for parents navigating the NICU and early developmental care.

Dr. Selvanathan’s expertise bridges science and compassion, helping families and healthcare professionals better understand the developing brain of premature infants. This episode offers invaluable education and perspective for anyone seeking to learn more about the long-term impact of early brain health and care in the NICU.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Mary Farrelly, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, a certified NICU nurse, doula, and educator dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical care and the lived experiences of NICU families. As the founder of The NICU Translator, Mary provides evidence-based education, compassionate guidance, and advocacy for both families and the professionals who support them. Through her courses, resources, online community, and work as a NICU doula, Mary’s mission is to make the NICU journey more empowering and less overwhelming for everyone involved.

On today’s episode:

• What inspired Mary to transition from bedside NICU nursing to providing family-centered education and support.
• How parents can confidently advocate for a smooth transition home after NICU discharge.
• Understanding your baby’s unique feeding cues and navigating common feeding challenges.
• Guidance on when and how to ask for additional feeding or developmental support.
• The importance of follow-up care—how to find the right pediatrician and which appointments to schedule first.
• Preparing for life at home, both practically and emotionally, after leaving the NICU.
• Recognizing signs of postpartum depression and anxiety and how to seek help early.
• Actionable steps families can take to build confidence and create stability once home from the NICU.

Mary’s insights offer a blend of professional expertise and heartfelt advocacy, providing parents with the knowledge and confidence to navigate life after the NICU. This episode is filled with practical advice and compassionate guidance to help families feel supported every step of the way.

Dr. Tanner Walsh | A Pediatrician’s Perspective as a NICU Mom

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Tanner Walsh, a primary care pediatrician in Delaware County, PA, and proud mom of 6-year-old boy-girl twins. Her twins were born at 35 weeks and spent six days in the NICU at the very hospital where she worked—an experience that shaped her perspective both as a pediatrician and as a parent. Fluent in Spanish and a graduate of UAG in Guadalajara, Mexico, Dr. Walsh brings a culturally sensitive and family-centered approach to pediatric care. As an IBCLC, she is committed to supporting families throughout their feeding journeys and beyond.

On today’s episode:

• Dr. Walsh shares her background in medicine and the story of her surprise twins.
• What her experience looked like during pregnancy and the early NICU days.
• Reflections on navigating the NICU as both a pediatrician and a parent.
• Lessons learned during her family’s NICU journey.
• Life after the NICU: what early care looked like for her family and the importance of NICU follow-up.
• How parents can build a strong care team post-NICU and what to ask their pediatrician.
• Guidance on feeding preemies and starting solids, including questions to bring to your pediatrician.
• Tips for families on choosing the right pediatrician.
• Updates on how her twins are doing today.

Dr. Walsh’s story offers a rare dual perspective of NICU life from both sides of the bedside—bringing empathy, professional insight, and practical advice to families navigating life during and after the NICU. This episode highlights the importance of strong partnerships between parents and pediatricians in caring for NICU graduates.

Dr. Vanessa Freeman | Supporting NICU Families Through Psychology and Personal Experience

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Vanessa Freeman, licensed psychologist, NICU mom, and owner of Searching for Self Counseling and Consulting, a virtual private practice serving Black women and mothers. Dr. Freeman brings both her personal experience as a NICU parent and her professional training as a psychologist to guide and support families navigating the challenges of NICU life.

Dr. Freeman’s daughter, Rylee, was born at 29 weeks and 1 day after an in-utero diagnosis of IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction). She spent 66 days in the NICU, an experience that profoundly shaped Dr. Freeman’s outlook as both a parent and professional.

On today’s episode:

• Dr. Freeman shares her family’s journey and the realities of receiving an IUGR diagnosis.
• How she prepared for a potential early delivery and the unexpected challenges of the NICU.
• Lessons learned during her 66-day NICU stay and the impact they had on her family.
• How her personal journey informed her career path and her focus on serving Black women and mothers.
• The most common struggles her clients face and the advice she shares to support them.
• An update on how Rylee is doing today.

Dr. Freeman’s story highlights the resilience of NICU families and the importance of mental health support throughout the journey. This episode provides both education and encouragement, reminding parents that they are not alone and that resources exist to help them thrive during and after their NICU experience.

Jaylee Hilliard | Bridging Compassionate NICU Care and Digital Health Solutions

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Jaylee Hilliard, Vice President of Clinical Strategy at AngelEye Health. With more than a decade of experience in neonatal and pediatric care—including her time as Director of Neonatal Services and Pediatric ECMO at McLane Children’s Baylor Scott & White—Jaylee now leads clinical innovation to strengthen family engagement, improve outcomes, and streamline care through technology.

Beyond her professional expertise, Jaylee brings the personal perspective of being a two-time NICU mom. Her first daughter was born at 32 weeks during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her second had a brief NICU stay in 2024. These experiences give her a powerful dual lens as both a healthcare leader and parent.

On today’s episode:

• Jaylee shares her background in healthcare and how she transitioned into her leadership role at AngelEye Health.
• Her personal NICU journey, including time on bedrest and the challenges of leaving her baby in the NICU.
• The role her husband played during the NICU and post-NICU experience.
• How AngelEye Health is using technology to support families and improve communication.
• Resources available for families who may not have camera systems in their NICU.
• Her biggest advice for parents navigating the NICU today.
• Updates on how her baby is doing now.

Jaylee’s story and expertise highlight the importance of compassionate care paired with innovation, ensuring families remain connected during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. This episode offers both practical insights and encouragement for NICU parents and professionals alike.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Kasey Mathews, a mother, holistic life coach, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of Preemie: Lessons in Love, Life, and Motherhood and A Mom’s Guide to Creating a Magical Life. Both books have earned the prestigious Mom’s Choice Gold Award, with Preemie also receiving the New Hampshire Non-Fiction Reader’s Choice Award.

As a passionate advocate for premature birth awareness, Kasey shares her journey as a NICU mom through speaking engagements at medical conferences, hospitals, and events. Her mission is to inspire and educate healthcare professionals and families, offering hope and insight to those navigating the complexities of life with a preemie.

On today’s episode:

• Kasey shares her family’s journey through the NICU and beyond.
• The inspiration behind her first book, Preemie, and what she hopes readers take away from it.
• Reflections on her NICU experience and the lessons that stand out most.
• Life after the NICU: what healing and growth looked like for her family.
• How to stay grounded when faced with challenges beyond your control.
• Her second book, A Mom’s Guide to Creating a Magical Life, and the inspiration behind it.
• Updates on her children today and their journey beyond prematurity.

Kasey’s story is one of resilience, love, and finding purpose in life’s unexpected moments. Her thoughtful insights remind us that even in the face of adversity, there is room for hope and transformation. Tune in to hear her inspiring perspective on life, motherhood, and the lessons learned along the way.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Adrianne Rahde Bischoff, a neonatal hemodynamics specialist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics-Neonatology. Originally from Brazil, Dr. Bischoff earned her medical degree from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul and completed her pediatric residency there. She went on to pursue advanced training in neonatal-perinatal medicine at the University of Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, followed by a specialization in neonatal hemodynamics at the University of Iowa.

Dr. Bischoff’s work focuses on advancing research, education, and care for critically ill neonates, with a particular emphasis on the cardiovascular health of NICU babies. As an active member of the PanAmerican Hemodynamics Collaborative and a council member of the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, she is at the forefront of this evolving field.

On today’s episode:

• What neonatal hemodynamics is and why it’s important for NICU babies
• Understanding terms like "low blood pressure" and "heart function" in the NICU context
• The role of neonatal hemodynamics in managing PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) and pulmonary hypertension
• How parents can advocate for their baby’s care when neonatal hemodynamics isn’t available at their hospital
• Recent advancements in neonatal hemodynamics that are improving NICU outcomes

Dr. Bischoff’s passion for neonatal care shines through as she discusses how this specialized field is transforming the way we support the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. This episode is an essential listen for parents and caregivers seeking to better understand the complexities of NICU care and the innovative approaches shaping its future.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Miracle Pelayo, a talented actor, model, fashion content creator, and passionate advocate for the disabled community. Miracle’s inspiring journey began as a NICU Miracle herself, born at just 23 weeks and weighing only 1 pound, 12 ounces—later dropping to 14 ounces. Despite being given only a 5% chance of survival, Miracle defied the odds, living up to her name and thriving in ways that continue to inspire those around her.

Today, Miracle is best known for her work on Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs, Con Man with Alan Tudyk, and as the voice of “Lily,” the first American Girl Doll with Cerebral Palsy, in the American Girl Doll: The Travel TwinsYouTube series. Her career and advocacy stem from a pivotal moment at age 12 when she realized the need for authentic representation of disabled characters in media and vowed to make a change.

On today’s episode:

• Miracle shares her personal journey as a NICU survivor and how she overcame incredible odds to live a thriving life.
• The origin story of her name and what her parents endured during her NICU stay.
• Key therapies and resources that were instrumental in her development.
• Her advice for parents navigating special education programs for their children.
• How she broke barriers to build a career in acting and modeling as a person with a disability.
• A glimpse into her current life and her mission to inspire hope and advocate for authentic representation in the media.
• Encouraging words for parents currently walking through the NICU journey.

Miracle’s story is one of resilience, representation, and hope. Her advocacy reminds us of the power of believing in the impossible and championing a world where everyone’s unique journey is celebrated. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and insights into navigating life’s challenges with strength and purpose.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Chloe Ciferri, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Adalyn Rose Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who experience the loss of a child during pregnancy, infancy, or early childhood. Inspired by her own loss of her daughter Adalyn in 2017, Chloe and her husband, Adam, launched the foundation on what would have been Adalyn's second birthday. Chloe has since dedicated her life to helping families navigate the unimaginable, leaving her teaching career to lead the organization full-time.

Chloe is also a proud mother to three living children: TJ (6), Enzo (5), and Elle (3). Her work through the Adalyn Rose Foundation focuses on providing comprehensive and continuous care for grieving families, offering hope and resources during one of life’s most challenging experiences.

On today’s episode:

• Chloe shares her family’s story, including the profound impact of losing Adalyn.
• The founding of the Adalyn Rose Foundation and the initiatives inspired by Chloe’s personal journey.
• A look into the programs and resources the foundation offers to support grieving families.
• Advice for families navigating the loss of a child and finding a path forward.
• How the Adalyn Rose Foundation collaborates with hospitals and how families can access assistance, regardless of where they deliver.
• Insights into Chloe’s mission to ensure no family grieves alone and her vision for the future of the foundation.

Chloe’s story and the work of the Adalyn Rose Foundation shine a light on the power of turning personal grief into a mission of support and healing. This heartfelt episode offers education, empathy, and a message of hope to families and advocates alike.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Jessica Dashevsky, a mental health provider specializing in perinatal care, who brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal resilience to her work. Jessica’s journey to motherhood includes profound challenges—five pregnancy losses, a complicated rainbow pregnancy, the trauma of NICU life, and navigating her own postpartum health struggles. Through these experiences, Jessica has dedicated herself to supporting families facing fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and perinatal mood disorders.

Jessica’s professional background includes overseeing the Maternity Care Coalition's Family Therapy program, as well as extensive training with Postpartum Society International and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Her story of hope and perseverance is both inspiring and educational.

On today’s episode:

• Jessica shares her family’s journey to starting a family, including the emotional toll of pregnancy loss and fertility treatments.
• Her experience navigating a high-risk pregnancy and the birth of her NICU miracle, Vera.
• Coping with her own health challenges postpartum while balancing the needs of her older child during the NICU journey.
• How her expertise in perinatal mental health informed her perspective during these challenges.
• Vera’s progress today and how early intervention has played a role in her journey.
• Advice and insights for families facing similar struggles.

Jessica’s story is a testament to the strength of families navigating complex medical journeys and the importance of mental health support in these moments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking understanding, hope, and guidance in the face of fertility and NICU challenges.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Stephanie Lee Jackson, founder of Practical Sanctuary, Sensory Interior Design, where art and healing merge to transform spaces into supportive environments for all neurotypes. With a background as an internationally exhibited fine artist and a massage therapist specializing in pain relief, Stephanie brings a unique perspective on how neuroscience can shape interior design to promote focus, healing, and emotional regulation.

Stephanie’s mission stems from her personal connection as a highly sensitive person with friends and family on the autism spectrum. Her upcoming book, The Eccentric Genius Habitat Intervention: Interior Design for Highly Sensitive People, is set to release in 2024 and explores creating spaces tailored to individual needs.

On today’s episode:

• Stephanie shares the personal and professional journey that inspired her work in sensory interior design.
• Defining neurodiversity and why inclusive design matters.
• Exploring the connection between your environment and your health.
• How Stephanie helps families design spaces that support neurodivergent needs.
• The benefits adults can gain from making intentional changes to their surroundings.
• Challenges with universal standard design and how to overcome them.
• Insights into how design can impact learning, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Stephanie’s expertise highlights the transformative impact of sensory-focused design, offering practical strategies to create spaces that promote healing, connection, and inclusivity for individuals of all neurotypes. This episode provides valuable insights into how intentional design can improve well-being and foster supportive environments for everyone.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kristin K. Meyer, a dedicated advocate, educator, and leader in special education. As co-founder of The REACH Group and with over 15 years of classroom experience, Dr. Meyer empowers parents to navigate the often-complicated special education process. From her work as an Educational Advocate at The Arc of Chester County to serving as Program Supervisor at Vanguard School, she has committed her career to ensuring positive educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

On today’s episode:

• Dr. Meyer shares the personal and professional journey that inspired her advocacy work.
• Explaining the difference between Early Intervention services and the Intermediate Unit.
• Recognizing how developmental delays impact physical, social, and emotional behaviors.
• Identifying early signs of academic struggles in children and differences between boys and girls.
• Key questions parents can ask to stay actively involved in their child’s education.
• Tips for forming strong partnerships with school teams during the early school years.
• Discussing whether parents can be "too proactive" and the importance of timely evaluations.
• Dr. Meyer’s insights on advocating for families and fostering positive educational experiences.

Dr. Meyer’s wealth of knowledge provides parents with the tools and confidence to advocate for their children and build collaborative relationships with educators. If you’re navigating Early Intervention, special education, or IEP processes, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Stefanie Lopacinski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Women’s Wellness of Abington. With nearly 20 years of experience in supporting women through reproductive, perinatal, and postpartum life changes, Dr. Lopacinski is a trusted expert and returning guest. Today, she joins us to discuss the unique challenges NICU families face during the holiday season, sharing compassionate advice for navigating the emotional complexities that arise.

On today’s episode:

• Dr. Lopacinski offers support for parents spending their baby’s first holiday in the NICU.
• Tips for managing family expectations, from navigating texts and messages to handling requests for NICU visits and FaceTime calls.
• Balancing time between the NICU and children at home, especially during the busy holiday season.
• Advice for families who want to celebrate but aren’t ready for visitors if their baby is home before a holiday.
• Ideas for couples looking to stay connected with loved ones while focusing on their immediate family’s needs.
• Key advice for NICU parents seeking peace and balance through the holiday season.

Tune in for Dr. Lopacinski’s insightful guidance on maintaining connection and emotional well-being during the holidays, even in the midst of a NICU journey. Whether you’re a NICU parent or a loved one seeking ways to offer support, this episode provides valuable tools for navigating the season with care.

In this episode of the NICU Today Podcast, Martha is joined by Chelsea Petrosky, a Certified Trauma Therapist with over 13 years of experience supporting survivors of trauma. Chelsea is the founder of Chelsea Petrosky Therapy, LLC, where she offers EMDR Therapy and Trauma Healing Services, focusing on survivors of complex trauma, intimate partner abuse, maternal and pregnancy trauma, birth trauma, and traumatic grief. Chelsea is also a NICU mom, having navigated the NICU journey with her youngest son, Nathaniel, who is now two years old. Her personal experiences as a mother drive her commitment to supporting others through pregnancy and birth-related trauma.

On today’s episode:

• Chelsea shares her family’s personal journey through the NICU with her son Nathaniel.
• Daily resilience: How Chelsea coped with the emotional challenges of being in the NICU and her advice for others currently going through the experience.
• Career insights: Chelsea discusses her path to becoming a trauma therapist and why this work is so important to her.
• Understanding EMDR: Chelsea explains Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and how it aids in trauma healing.
• Deciding if EMDR is right for you: Tips for those considering EMDR therapy and insights on who may benefit from this treatment.
• Resources for trauma healing: Information on where listeners can learn more about Chelsea’s practice and the support she offers.



Join us for an enlightening conversation with Chelsea, offering practical guidance and hope for NICU parents and trauma survivors alike. Whether you’re interested in trauma therapy or looking for support in the NICU journey, this episode provides meaningful insights and inspiration.