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 youth, guiding them into and often through adulthood. Giving back is a core pillar of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue doing so.

I was ultimately led to NILMDTS because of Debbie’s experience.

On December 23rd, she unexpectedly went into labor while on vacation, just two weeks after learning she was carrying twins. A severe UTI had triggered her early labor. She delivered at a Level 1 hospital, and immediately after birth, her twins were transported to a Level 3 NICU. Debbie never had the chance to see them before they were transferred.

Her son, William, passed away two hours before she could be transported to the other hospital on Christmas morning. Her daughter, Karigan, survived. In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, Debbie successfully advocated for legislative changes in Connecticut and Virginia, leading to the passage of William’s Law. This law now ensures that, unless it endangers the mother’s life, moms are transported with their newborns.

There were no NILMDTS photographers available on Christmas morning to capture images of William, and that is why I do what I do. I have witnessed my friend struggle in ways no mother should ever have to, and I know how much those photographs would have meant to her.

People often ask me why I do this work and if it’s difficult. My answer is always the same: because it matters. Because I would want someone to do it for me. Because we all need each other. I give because I can, and I hope that in doing so, I have brought comfort to the families I’ve served.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, offers families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss with complimentary remembrance portraits, capturing precious moments with their babies. Your generous donation can help us extend this heartfelt service to more families in need. Please consider supporting us here.