03/24/2026
We are the village. I had the honor of joining a lineup of phenomenal Birth workers as a speaker at the Black Maternal Health Conference hosted by It Takes A Village at Fort Valley State University. Our audience was filled with Fort Valley nursing & biology students, fellow birth workers, and community members.
The event opened with words from my PSI GA President Tameka Mitchell followed by Family Practice MD, Dr. Evans, Thomecia Busby a community doula also working with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, the Mommy Monitor Dr. Katherine Sylvester, myself, and a parent panel.
There was something so humbling and rich about speaking to my community about maternal mental health. The signs, symptoms, risks, breaking the stigma, screenings, support, resources, and caring for our mental health as providers. My hope is to normalize conversations about mental health in our homes, communities, and healthcare system so parents can get the support they need earlier.
This was a beautiful way to show up for my local village in all the ways that make me, well me. From sharing PSI & Alliance for POC resources, representing Homegrown Yoga, my private practice, and highlighting the GA Fund for Perinatal Mental Health.
The best part was having ALL of my Riley boys in the audience watching me speak. This was their first time and the boys said they would hire me for their events because I did one trillion/10. That’s pretty darn good if you ask me.
Thank you, Mama Pat and It Takes a Village for bringing us together and all of the work you do to support and change maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and families in our community.
