EVENT DETAILS
Join us to learn about the state of maternal and infant health and the crucial role that March of Dimes plays in supporting millions of families each year. Hear from local experts, learn about nearby programs and resources, and meet OC-based community vendors and partners.
Speaker, Nicole Sparks
Environmental toxicology researcher, Nicole Renee Sparks, PhD, is an assistant professor at the UCI Program in Public Health in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.Sparks focuses on a unique area of research looking at environmental toxicants, such as using and exposure to tobacco products, impact on a fetus' development. Sparks’ lab uses stem cell and animal models to observe how a toxicant can change microRNA and mRNA expression levels that cause an embryonic osteoblast (bone-forming cell) defect.
Speaker, Sharrise Boop
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in individual and group therapy in the fields of perinatal mental health, including postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), trauma, grief & loss, miscarriage, and infertility. Sharrise specialize in working with children/families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS). Licensed in the state of CA through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), LCSW #102683, as well as certified in Perinatal Mental Health-Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Sharrise uses an eclectic approach that is tailored to each woman and family. She utilizes CBT, psychodynamic, and emotionally focused techniques to help each individual and family from pre-conception through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond.
Speaker, Diana Hurtado
For the past twenty years, Diana has worked in the social services and mental health fields. However, she narrowed her professional focus to working with NICU families after her personal experience of being a NICU parent to a 23-weeker. Diana has now been the March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program Coordinator at CHOC Children’s Hospital for the past ten years. To this role she brings her education in Counseling and Perinatal Mental Health, as well as her experience as a NICU parent. As part of her role, Diana enjoys connecting with families and guiding them through the NICU experience. She also appreciates partnering with her colleagues both locally and nationally to bring positive change to the NICU for patients and families.
VITAL ACCESS CARE FOUNDATION
ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST
REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY
COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF ORANGE COUNTY
THE MOTHERHOOD CONNECTION, NEWPORT BEACH MOMS
COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE OF ORANGE COUNTY
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