11/19/2025
We’re paying homage to — because our alumni make us say WOW! ✨💙
Each Wednesday, we highlight one of our incredible graduates from the N.C. A&T Human Lactation Pathway 2 Program who’s turning their training into real impact — supporting families, uplifting communities, and advancing culturally responsive lactation care.
This week, we’re celebrating Jerilyn Free, IBCLC, a proud member of our inaugural cohort! 🎉
Jerilyn brings over a decade of experience as a doula, and today she is a compassionate, highly skilled lactation consultant serving families with empathy and evidence-based care. She also serves as a clinical preceptor for our program, and our students love working alongside her.
One student shared: “Having Jeri as a preceptor brought class content directly to the hospital setting and helped us see ourselves as future IBCLCs. She challenged us, built our confidence, and gave us tips to navigate the lactation world as budding professionals. She’s all that and a bag of chips!” 💁🏽♀️
Fun fact: Before becoming an IBCLC, Jerilyn served as a Department Chair and instructor in Animal Sciences at a local community college — and she has a big love for furry friends! 🐾 Her curiosity, compassion, and interdisciplinary expertise make her an absolute joy to learn from and work alongside.
We are so proud of the incredible work Jerilyn is doing to support families and guide the next generation of lactation professionals. 💙💛