Could you share your connection to Empty Arms and how you first discovered this organization?
I first found Empty Arms when I was getting my undergraduate degree in Public Health at UMass Amherst, where I worked alongside Carol and Lisa as one of their interns. My experience working with this organization helped solidify what I truly wanted to pursue within the reproductive healthcare world. Now, I support EABS as an assistant, coordinating emails, calendars, and all that jazz.
2) What motivates you to stay involved?
The community of EABS is something so special, safe, and cared for. Each person involved in the organization, whether staff, interns, bereaved parents, community members, donors, or an intersection of them all, brings such warmth and acceptance. After you are introduced to such a wonderful group, it is impossible to leave.
3) What do you do for a living?
I wear many hats! Aside from my position with EABS, I work as a birth and postpartum doula & I am a counselor for folks receiving termination care, whether electively or for medical reasons.
4) How do you spend your personal time and what do you like to do for fun?
I constantly am in awe of how much I love the work that I do – people remind me so often how rare that is for someone who is just 23 years old. Although my work really is fun for me, I also enjoy adventuring with my dog Nell, hiking/camping through the Green Mountains in VT, and rewatching “Friends” episodes (anxiously waiting for the reunion episode).
5) It’s odd to some that we share tears and laughter in this line of work! Any funny stories or anecdotes you’re willing to share?
Although their presence is horrible, I get a good laugh out of encounters with anti-choice protestors.
6) What are YOUR HOPES for this year?
My hopes this year are to begin fostering dogs (if I can summon enough willpower to foster without adopting every puppy) and to spend more time with my family who I did not get to see much through the pandemic.
