My Why- Julie Atlas, NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer

The first time I heard about Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) was at PPA’s Imaging USA conference the year before COVID hit. I felt drawn to the cause, but when the pandemic began, I simply didn’t have the personal bandwidth to complete the training. As a teacher, I was spending 16-hour days on my computer, trying to keep my school running and my students engaged in learning.

A couple of years later, I attended Imaging USA again but this time with my friend Debbie, who often assisted me with my photography business. While there, she spoke at length with the volunteers at the NILMDTS booth about the importance of their work. Hearing her conversation reignited my desire to become a NILMDTS photographer.

It aligned deeply with my personal commitment to giving back to my community, so I signed up again—and I’ve been here ever since.

My passion for helping others stems from the kindness my mother and mother-in-law received throughout their lives. Both women grew up in the foster care system, and because of the amazing people who supported them during difficult times, they were able to create loving homes for their own children. Their experiences shaped me, and I now dedicate my time to giving back in meaningful ways. In addition to running my photography business and serving as a NILMDTS photographer, I volunteer my skills to help children find permanent families. I also mentor foster …