Stewart Johnson

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

February 2012

Stewart Johnson has been nominated for Volunteer of the Month for February.

Stewart has been a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer for nearly 4 years. During that time, he has been called at all hours of the day and night and asked to take images of dying infants and their families. Staff members of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans nominated Stewart for this honor. According to Lynn Matthews, a member of the NICU Grief Committee, Stewart is always willing to drop what he is doing and hustle to the hospital to serve a grieving family that has requested NILMDTS services. "He has a way of putting everyone at ease, and for just a moment in time, he transforms a bedside in the hospital into a home. He has a very gentle manner and is very caring towards the family. No request has ever been too much," said Lynn Matthews. She goes on to say the service that Stewart provides not only to the families, but to the staff of this unit is so comforting. "He appears to be driven by his devotion to this worthy cause, never expecting anything in return for his many hours of work each month," said Matthews, "Stewart truly is an inspiration and exemplifies the true spirit of a volunteer." Please accept our sincerest thanks, Stewart, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Katherine Payne

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

January 2012

Our January Volunteer of the Month is Katherine Payne from Westminster, CO. Katherine has been a member since 2009 and is a valuable volunteer photographer in the Denver area. NILMDTS Co-founder Cheryl Haggard nominated Katherine for this honor. Cheryl says that Katherine has stepped up many times not only as a dedicated photographer, but she also fields phone calls from families and shows compassion and grace while doing so. "If I am ever desperate to find a photographer for a family, I know that I can always call Katherine and she never seems to turn me down," said Cheryl Haggard, "I have even had nurses ask me specifically to call Katherine, and see if she might be available for their 'families' session." Please accept our sincerest thanks, Katherine, for being such a dedicated volunteer.  

Jodi Williams

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

December 2011

Our December Volunteer of the Month is Jodi Williams from Baltimore, MD. Jodi has been a member since 2010 and is an incredible, dedicated Assistant to Photographer Jim Strathearn. "My 'day job' is a night job so I sleep during the day. If a hospital calls for a session while I am sleeping and have my phone turned off, they call Jodi and she fills the session on my behalf," said Area Coordinator Jim Strathearn. Jodi recently assisted a social worker at John Hopkins Hospital find a NILMDTS photographer. "It is always tough for everyone when we lose a baby, but Jodi was compassionate and worked to find an appropriate time for the volunteer that would be doing the session," said Courtney Reaves.

"Jodi does an amazing job at taking some of the stress off me and the other photographers by helping us as she does. She is truly a lifesaver for me and I'd be lost without her," concluded Strathearn.

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Jodi, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Jill Meyer

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

November 2011

Jill Meyer, of Little Rock, Arkansas, has been selected as our Volunteer of the Month. Jill has been an Affiliated Photographer for more than 3 years. She also serves as an Area Coordinator. Lizzy Yates, co-Area Coordinator in Little Rock, nominated Jill for her talent, attitude and willingness to help at such a tragic time. "She is always a positive force. She has created and maintained strong relationships with our area hospitals. Jill also does anything within her power to help ensure that families in our area do not get denied our services," said Lizzy Yates. Jill frequently rearranges her schedule to serve families, and has visited hospitals at all hours of the night to photograph angel babies. "She is respectful to grieving families and a major blessing to the nurses. Her photos are priceless in their artistry and subject," said Nancy Meneley, RN, Share Bereavement Coordinator at Baptist Health Little Rock. She also spends countless hours organizing NILMDTS materials for photographers and hospitals in the area. "The Central Arkansas volunteer group would not be as effective and organized as we are if it were not for Jill and the foundation she has laid for us. She is simply amazing," commented Affiliated Photographer Crystal Gross. Please accept our sincerest thanks, Jill, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Lisa Kammel

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

October 2011

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for October is Lisa Kammel.

Lisa, of La Crosse, WI, has been a member of the organization since 2008. She is an Affiliated Photographer and Digital Retouch Artist.

DRA Coordinator Jennifer Brown nominated Lisa for her hard work and dedication.

According to Jennifer, Lisa spends countless hours retouching images for other photographers on top of taking her own NILMDTS sessions.

"Lisa is 100% dedicated to NILMDTS in all she does," said Brown.

Lisa agreed to help Jennifer with the busy Digital Retouch Artist "Call on Me" room in our photographer's forum. Jennifer says without Lisa the "Call on Me" forum wouldn't work as smoothly as it does.

"I can't thank Lisa enough for all of what she does for NILMDTS and for these little Angels," Brown concluded.

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Lisa, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Jill Myers

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

September 2011

Jill Myers, of Columbia, MD, is the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for September. Jill has been a NILMDTS photographer since 2006 and has also served as an Area Coordinator. Area Coordinator Jim Strathearn nominated Jill for her continued dedication to taking sessions. "Regardless of the time of day, or day of the week, I know I can always count on Jill," said Jim Strathearn. "Both her work and attitude are impeccable and she is just a wonderful example for other NILMDTS photographers to follow." Mary Peroutka, founder of Rising Hope Perinatal Hospice and Bereavement Program at Howard County General Hospital says Jill is always available for NILMDTS photo sessions and she leaves a lasting impression on the families she serves. "This family was so appreciative of the work that she did for them and the quality of the photos that Jill has become the 'family photographer.' Birthdays, new pregnancies, new babies, so many of this family's life experiences have been documented by Jill," said Mary Peroutka.

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Jill, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Ian Pouliot

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

August 2011

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for August is Ian Pouliot of Turners Fall, MA.

Ian has been a dedicated volunteer since April of 2008. His sister-in-law Bethany nominated him for this recognition and said he is a very talented photographer. But more than that, she says he has an incredible heart and is a good man in a storm. According to Bethany, Ian has done two NILMDTS shoots for close friends in the past year. "I know that these are not easy under any circumstances, but to have him willing and able to go comfort a friend's family and give them these photographs to treasure, of a life that was all too short, is an amazing gift, said Bethany. Additionally, Area Coordinator Jeff Baker says Ian has been one of his "go to" guys for years. He says there are not many volunteers in the Western Massachusetts area that have stepped up like he has. Ian has covered sessions at three different hospitals in Western Massachusetts. "Ian has definitely been my most active volunteer," said Jeff Baker.

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Ian, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Brenton Reynolds

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

July 2011

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for July is Brenton Reynolds. Brenton, of Pinellas Park, Florida, has been a member of the organization since January 2008. Brenton was nominated by his wife, Patty, and Area Coordinator, Brandi Morris. Both women feel Brenton deserves to be recognized for his dedication to the families he serves. Brenton recently served two families in one day and while he was at the hospital, a third family approached him. Although they decided to forego our service, Brenton told them he would be glad to help. "Never one to say no," said Patty Reynolds. "A day later there was a call for another session, all he said to me was 'I can't say no' even though I know he was still processing the other sessions," said Patty Reynolds. Additionally, Area Coordinator Brandi Morris says he is an amazing man with a huge heart. "Even through his own health issues, he continues to help the grieving families who need him. He never blinks at putting aside his own issues to take a session and that is what makes him my greatest volunteer," said Brandi Morris.

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Brenton, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Russell Caron

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

June 2011

Our June Volunteer of the Month is Russell Caron from Falmouth, Maine. Russell has been working with NILMDTS since April of 2009. He is an affiliated photographer that goes above and beyond his responsibilities. Area Coordinator Kelly Roy says Russell has an incredibly busy wedding business but always makes time for NILMDTS sessions. She recently called him to see if he was available to take a session. He was packing his gear to go to a wedding in another state a day earlier than planned due to an unexpected snowstorm in the Northeast. But, he assured Kelly that he would make the time to go to the hospital and serve a family in need. "He never refuses a call and I know I can count on him," said Kelly Roy. Russell often serves families at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Barbara Towers is a social worker at that hospital and she says that Russell is always readily available when he is requested and he is great about getting the photos to families in a very timely fashion. "It's an incredible gift for families and Russ is one of the volunteers that make it happen," said Barbara Towers. Please accept our sincerest thanks, Russell, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Stacy Hayward

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

May 2011 Our May Volunteer of the Month is Stacy Hayward from Ontario, Canada. Stacy has been working with NILMDTS since March of 2009. She is a dedicated volunteer photographer and Area Coordinator. Stacy is a frequent contributor on the nowisleep.com forum. Her insight and comments are invaluable to new and veteran members alike. Additionally, she takes the time to make sure all of her sessions are logged to her account in a timely manner. According to colleagues and families she has served, Stacy is wonderful to work with. She shows compassion, sensitivity and respect when meeting with grieving parents, and also captures amazing images. One mother commented, "On Feb 3, 2010, I didn't meet just one angel, I met 2. My daughter and Stacy. NILMDTS should consider themselves fortunate to have someone such as Stacy, who is talented, compassionate and truly amazing, on their team." Joanne Boyce, a registered nurse in Canada nominated Stacy for this honor. Joanne is grateful for Stacy on a personal note. On May 12, 1998, Joanne had a stillborn baby. At the time infant bereavement photography services were not available like they are today and though she had a few Polaroid pictures, the quality has deteriorated over the years. Stacy was able to retouch the images and Joanne now has photos she can look at and remember her precious angel. "She (Stacy) was able to somehow improve the copy of the picture I had and I am pleased to say that almost 13 years later, I now can have her picture in a family frame with my other children," said Joanne Boyce. Please accept our sincerest thanks, Stacy, for being such a dedicated volunteer.

Vicki Zoller

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

April 2011

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for April is Vicki Zoller. Vicki, of Kenmore, WA, has been a member of the organization since 2008. She is a volunteer photographer, Area Coordinator, a VIP (Very Important Poster) on our forum, and part of our Membership Application Committee (MAC). Vicki takes many NILMDTS sessions and coordinates for hospitals within Seattle city limits, and has also been known to help hospitals outside of that area locate photographers, or even take some of these sessions herself. Ron Williams, an affiliated photographer in her network, says, "Vicki is an exemplary AC and affiliated photographer, always willing to share her time, her heart and her expertise." "Even with everything she does, she somehow still has time to post valuable information on the forum," says Jennifer Brown, DRA coordinator and MAC member. In addition, Vicki "volunteers her time on the MAC team, helping to approve photographers for NILMDTS. She goes above and beyond this duty, often contacting individual applicants personally in order to help speed the approval process or advise them on what areas they need to work on to become approved." -David Grupa, MAC member. "Since Vicki joined the organization, I have admired her dedication and growth that has been such a constant throughout all these years. This has been an inspiration for me. Through her participation in the forum and the MAC team, I often wonder how she finds time for anything else," says Dale Kincaid. Vicki cares deeply about the NILMDTS community and is a source of encouragement and support to other NILMDTS members. Thank you for your dedication Vicki, we truly couldn't do it without you!

Becka Parypinski

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

March 2011

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for March is Becka Parypinski! Becka is an affiliated photographer in Columbia, MD and has been a member since 2010. Since she joined, she has jumped right in and is now one of the most dedicated volunteers in her area. Her area coordinator, Jim Strathearn, says, "As one of the the Area Coordinators for the Baltimore Area, a very busy area for NILMDTS, I am often scrambling to find photographers to fill sessions. I can always count on Rebecca to step up and take those difficult to fill sessions. She recently did a session that was so traumatic that many of us would have had second thoughts about doing it. But she stayed and handled the session with poise and grace. Rebecca is the epitome of what a NILMDTS photographer should be and I am both honored and thankful she is on our team." When our headquarters office learned of the difficult circumstances surrounding the recent session that Becka completed, we had to agree with Jim. Becka is an outstanding volunteer.  

David Grupa

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

February 2011

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for February is David Grupa from Maplewood, Minnesota. David has been a NILMDTS photographer since 2006 and is also a Membership Application Committee (MAC) Member.

David was nominated by Area Coordinator Sheri Wegner for his continued dedication to taking sessions and serving as a continuous reminder that this truly does help families. For example, this past Christmas Eve David took 3 NILMDTS sessions.

"It took most of his day at two different hospitals. He was called for one, sent on a second and took the third because he was already at the hospital for the 2nd session so a different photographer was spared. That was pretty remarkable," stated Wegner.

Mary Louise Delano, Area Coordinator and MAC member, says, "Dave has always been willing to help me out if I needed technical advice, needed to talk about an applicant or just to chat. He is a true asset to NILMDTS."

Additionally, Vicki Zoller, Area Coordinator and MAC member, says, "Being a part of NILMDTS has allowed me to make some amazing new friends all over the world. David is one of those! We both serve on the MAC team and his expertise in photography, professional demeanor and great sense of humor help to make our tasks easier and certainly more enjoyable. It takes commitment to run a studio/business, to teach, to volunteer as a photographer, as well as a MAC member, and still bring quality to all those tasks! Not many are capable of that, but David is! Congratulations David on VOM. It is well deserved and definitely earned!" From our headquarters office, "Thank you David and all of our other wonderful volunteers who helped families in need during the holidays. We know this means that you are away from your own families and guests and we so appreciate you taking the time to help others. The heart to serve, commitment to the NILMDTS mission, and dedication by our volunteers over the holidays is remarkable!"  

Ron Williams

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

January 2011 

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for January is Ron Williams! Ron is an Affiliated Photographer in Seattle, WA.

"Ron joined NILMDTS in 2009 and the first session he took was a very difficult one and he almost threw in the towel. We spent some time talking after that session and I looked at the images he managed to get of a very small, very hard to photograph baby and they were quite lovely. Ron gave that family a gift they would never have known they could ever have.

Once Ron was reassured about his skills (which is something that all new NILMDTS photographers need) he just bloomed! He has attended all our local training events and get-togethers.

His behavior at the hospitals has helped us to establish amazing and professional working relationships with our area hospitals. He always puts his best foot forward and represents the quality and professionalism that is the standard of NILMDTS.

I honestly don't know how I could do what I do without Ron. He is very committed, very strong and VERY MUCH appreciated." -Vicki Zoller, Seattle Area Coordinator  

Tracy Young Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

December 2010

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for December is Area Coordinator Tracy Young!

"Over time, Tracy has not only invested her time, but has given heart to this organization. Tracy has not allowed ONE mom in our area who has wanted professional photographs of her baby, to go without. On several occasions, she has rescheduled portrait sessions, rearranged vacation plans, or driven to a hospital an hour away to help a grieving family. She has held informational meetings for photographers in surrounding areas trying to recruit other NILMDTS photographers so that every mom will have the opportunity to have her baby remembered through photographs. Tracy's dedication goes above and beyond a typical volunteer. She also helps organize other volunteers, answers questions that they have, and photographs many sessions per month.... Tracy has also worked with other volunteer organizations to get blankets and outfits made for these angels. She really does think of everything. Tracy is the perfect image of love, self sacrifice and dedication to a calling!! She inspires me daily and is the reason I am a NILMDTS volunteer!" -Heather Carson, AL Affiliated Photographer

Tracy has been a wonderful part of the organization since 2009. She is a key part of the Alabama network and is very dedicated to the mission of NILMDTS. We are so thankful for all that she has done for NILMDTS and the families she serves.  

Roger Smith Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

November 2010 

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month for November is Area Coordinator Roger Smith! Roger lives in Illinois, but has been so helpful to offer support to St. Louis hospitals just across the state line. The St. Louis area has a high demand for NILMDTS sessions and Roger has been instrumental in helping these hospitals meet session needs, and in keeping his own area running smoothly. We also held a training seminar in the St. Louis area and Roger was there, once again, to provide equipment, rides to the hotel, support for our trainer and staff team, as well as the local area photographers attending the training.

Roger has also been very encouraging to the new photographers that attended the training seminar and has offered up praise for two of these recent trainees who have taken quite a few sessions since the training seminar. We love that while he is going above and beyond he is also letting us know how Tracy Kratzer and Gina Arnold are contributing in the St. Louis area. We could not meet the needs of grieving families in this area without dedicated volunteers like Roger and the team in St. Louis!

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Roger, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Chris Shirley Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

October 2010

The NILMDTS Volunteer of the Month for October is Chris Shirley! Chris is an affiliated photographer in Great Britain.

Chris has been a dedicated member of NILMDTS since June 2009 and has been an huge part of helping to grow the organizations presence in the United Kingdom.

Anna-Marina Dearsely, an Area Coordinator in London, says, "I would love to recognize a volunteer who I have guided for the past 8 months who has worked really hard in getting NILMDTS into 3 hospitals in Wales..His name is Chris Shirley and he is such a star...He has also started recruiting photographers in his area."

We are so thankful to Chris for being such an instrumental part of NILMDTS in the UK. He has also worked to get the imporant forms and documents translated into Welsh. Thank you for all of the incredibly hard, dedicated work that you have put into making NILMDTS a success in your area!!

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Chris, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Megan LaBounty Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

September 2010

Our September Volunteer of the Month is Megan LaBounty from Forney, TX!  Megan has been a member since 2008 and is an incredible, dedicated volunteer photographer and Area Coordinator.

"Not only is Megan LaBounty a wife and mother with her own photography business, she is also NILMDTS Area Coordinator and photographer who has a heart for bereaved families. She often takes calls when no one else can. This summer, we had a time when we were receiving several calls a day and it was difficult to find photographers. Megan did 3 or 4 NILMDTS sessions in a single 24-hour period, and I bet that she did that more than once and didn't tell anyone. One time, Megan was on her way out of town for well deserved family vacation and it appeared that we would not be able to find NILMDTS photographers for some families. When Megan realized that that no photographers were available, she delayed her vacation to help them. Here is her email update sent from her Blackberry on the way out of town about the sessions:

"We were suppose to be leaving for Alabama an hour ago (kids sleep better in the car) but we are delaying it. I just pulled into Baylor and will do the baby here and then run up to Presby Dallas and do the baby there. Then we will head for Alabama. So no need for Baylor downtown and Presby Dallas. Thanks".

Even while she was on vacation, she fielded NILMDTS phone calls and found photographers to help bereaved families in Dallas. Megan has a heart of gold and is a tireless NILMDTS volunteer and promoter."

- George Galdiano NILMDTS Parent Coordinator

Please accept our sincerest thanks, Megan, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Lee Glide Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

August 2010

Our August Volunteer of the Month is Lee Glide from Littleton, Colorado.

Lee is a very reliable volunteer with a history of going out of his way to help the families that he serves. Here at Headquarters, we recently received a story that illustrates just how much he is willing to give a family:

On June 28, Denver's Lutheran Medical center sent out a call for a NILMDTS photographer to capture memories of a family to whom twins had just been born. The little girl had unfortunately passed away, and the little boy needed to be transferred to a different hospital in order to receive treatment. Lee graciously accepted to take the session and rushed to Lutheran to photograph the little baby girl so that the family could go to Children's Hospital to be with their son.

The story doesn't end there. That evening, the call came from Children's Hospital saying that the little boy who had lost his sister earlier was actively passing away. Lee didn't hesitate to accept this session, and went immediately to Children's Hospital to serve this devastated family. As if that wasn't enough, Lee later made yet a third trip to the hospital when the family was able to bring both of the twins together, so that they could have memories of their two precious babies together with the whole family. Katherine Payne, another Denver area photographer who volunteers alongside Lee, had this to say about him: "When I think of the Volunteer Of The Month, I think of this one selfless man, Lee Glide, with this exceptional story of not only doing exceptionally beautiful work, but also of giving of his time, talents and heart. He is a HERO with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, or at least to me, and I am proud to call him my friend and colleague."

Please accept our thanks, Lee, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.  

Jim Strathearn Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

July 2010

Our July Volunteer of the Month is Jim Strathearn from Delta, Pennsylvania. Jim has been working with NILMDTS since the fall of 2009, and he has always gone above and beyond the call of duty.

According to families he's served, Jim is great to work with, and had perfect timing in photographing their children. He always takes beautiful pictures while continually striving to learn more about how to give the most complete gift possible to the families that he serves. One grandmother says, "there must be a special place in heaven for people like you" who give something so special to families who are facing the darkest days of their lives.

Jill Myers, Jim's Area Coordinator, calls him a valuable asset because of his willingness to take sessions other photographers are not able or not willing to take, his drive to constantly improve the quality of his work, and his ongoing encouragement and support of not only other affiliated photographers, but also of Jill herself. In fact, Jill can't say enough about Jim, but her concluding thought is this: "Despite all this, Jim is very humble and I'm sure will argue that he doesn't deserve this recognition and that he's just doing what needs to be done. Don't listen to him though....he does deserve it!" Jill Myers Area Coordinator, John Hopkins Health System

Please accept our thanks, Jim, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Bob Coates Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

June 2010

Our June Volunteer of the Month is Bob Coates from Sedona, Arizona. Bob is a wonderful volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. He is always willing to go above and beyond the standard volunteer duties as both an Affiliated Photographer and an Area Coordinator. Bob is also our featured writer this month for our photographer's tips and tricks. Bob's professionalism, desire to help other photographers continue to enhance their photography sills and the gift he gives to these families amazes us all. NILMDTS would not be where it is today without volunteers like Bob who are always working to create strategic partnerships that benefit our volunteers, the families we serve and the foundation. Bob was instrumental in establishing our new partnership with Emotion Media creating another valuable resource to assist our photographers in the creation of NILMDTS slideshows set to music for the families we serve. Here is what the team at Emotion Media had to say about Bob: "Bob Coates is truly an inspirational photographer. He constantly gives back through is teaching, mentoring and his work with NILMDTS. Thank you for all you do!" Brian McMurray CEO - Emotion Media

Please accept our thanks, Bob, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Rima Dickson and Julie Duggan Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer(s) of the Month

May 2010

In honor of two very dedicated NILMDTS volunteers, we are recognizing both Rima Dickson from Langley, British Columbia and Julie Duggan from London, Ontario as our May Volunteers of the Month.

Both Rima and Julie serve as certified trainers and play active roles in recruiting and retaining members in their respective communities. Rima and Julie are exceptionally proactive in amplifying the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep mission. They were both pivotal in securing our recent partnership with Technicare in Canada.

Rima, a mother of 3, is a most dependable team member. "Rima's passion and commitment to NILMDTS is unwavering," said hospital staffer Christine Bellerive. "Rima is always available to attend our hospital. Her compassion and empathy toward families is amazing and her warmth is felt deeply."

"As a social worker at BC Women's, I have contacted Rima a number of times on behalf of bereaved parents and have always been gratified by her quick and efficient response," said Barbara Lucas of BC Women's Hospital. Rima's husband Lee added, "Rima is a loving wife and mother of three. She is passionate about helping others, and has a very generous heart. She is big on giving back to her community and often donates photography sessions for charity auctions."

Julie, a mother of 3, is an Area Coordinator for the Ontario area. "Julie is a very organized and passionate Area Coordinator," said Yvonne Long NILMDTS photographer. "She is always willing to tackle difficult challenges head on and without delay. When I call on her, she makes herself available immediately."

"Julie always strives to exceed peoples expectations on anything she does. She is incredibly motivated and has successfully juggled running the family, being involved in our community, and being an entrepreneur for 8 years," said Julie's husband Daniel Duggan. "Her photography has always been excellent with an attention to detail that I can not comprehend. Each day I spend with Julie confirms that the best decision in my life was to ask her to marry me and the luckiest day was when she said yes," added Duggan.

Please accept our thanks, Rima and Julie, for being such dedicated volunteers and for always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Scott Taylor Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

April 2010

Our March Volunteer of the month is Scott Taylor from Sorrento, Florida. Scott is a dedicated volunteer who makes himself available, even canceling personal plans to take NILMDTS sessions. His Area Coordinator Joni Clark is so thankful to have him on her team and had this to say about him:

When we get a new volunteer, I send an email to welcome them, and copy it to our entire volunteer group. Scott takes the time to warmly welcome each new person and makes himself available to call or email for any questions that might arise.  Scott has done more sessions than anyone in the Orlando Area, having personally covered 32 of 79 calls in a 9 month period, and tracked down & uploaded 19 sessions which had been taken by a former member but never logged. He has such compassion and will go do a session in a heartbeat, and has a memorial photograph ready for the parents the following day. His turnaround time is great, I don't know how he does it!

He stops by the hospitals and downloads photos that have been taken by hospital staff, and has purchased numerous 2 GB SD cards for the cameras for most of the hospitals in the area. These are his gift to the hospitals in hopes that when we cannot be there they will have that extra tool to insure the photos have a way from the camera to our NILMDTS retouchers as explained in the Hospital Posing Guide.

Please accept our thanks, Scott, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going above and beyond to serve families in need.

Tim Cobb Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

March 2010

March's Voluteer of the month is a volunteer from Memphis, TN. Tim has logged the most sessions of any member (and turned in the consent forms) in 2010. Tim faithfully submits all of his paperwork and logs his sessions immediately. He has been a member since May 2008 and also serves as an Area Coordinator for us. Tim has logged 8 sessions for January and February of 2010. His fellow Area Coordinator Jennifer Tilghman had this to say about Tim:

"Dedication is spelled by using three letters.... T-I-M. What an amazing man who gives of his time to so many families in our area. We cover many hospitals in the Memphis Tennessee Metro area, as well as North Mississippi and Tim takes such pride in making sure that the needs of every family that calls on us are provided for. He is so very compassionate and willing to take a call at any time! He is quick to respond and some of the nurses have such a great relationship with him, that often times they call him directly! That goes to show that he is great at building a relationship with the nurses and they know he is reliable and will answer the call of need when placed in front of him. Tim is an example of what we should all strive to be. He believes in the mission of NILMDTS and gives so much of his time to help the families of our area. I am honored to work with him and so proud to call him "my partner."

NILMDTS is so thankful to have a volunteer like Tim and we appreciate his heart to not only make sure that no family goes un-served, but to also follow up and complete the tedious but necessary paper work and session logs. As many grants and reports specifically ask about completed sessions, Tim is assisting us further in our mission to apply for and hopefully obtain additional grant funding by making sure his sessions are logged and counted!

Kathy Disney Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

February 2010

February's Volunteer of the month is a volunteer from Kansas City Missouri who has been a member since October 2007. To date Kathy has logged a total of 80 sessions for NILMDTS, with 32 logged in 2009. Kathy's husband had this to share about her:

Kathy is a gifted volunteer who will not let a Mother, who asks for pictures, go without her treasured memories of her child. Kathy is on her second call this week and has done as many as three separate families in a day or up to five in a week. She is a champion who has put others needs before her own to make their lives a little easier during a difficult time. Kathy is a strong advocate for the organization and honored to be of service.

Please accept our thanks, Kathy, for being such a dedicated volunteer and for serving families in need.

Congratulations! You are clearly due this honor!

We want to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to all of our affiliated photographers, area coordinators, certified trainers, digital retouch artists, parent liaisons, membership application committee members and the many others who contribute to our mission and successes.

This foundation would not be where it is today without all of our amazing volunteers, who donate their time and talent to serve families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. We appreciate you, and look forward to another year with you!

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors.  Without your gifts, and all you contribute, we could not continue to grow and provide the support that our volunteers need. We truly could not do it without you! Looking forward to another successful year in partnership.

Jim Oca

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

December 2009.

December's Volunteer of the month is an Area Coordinator and Certified Trainer in Connecticut. Jim is a joy to work with and always brings a smile to the faces here at Headquarters. Not only has he taken on the role of Area Coordinator and Certified Trainer, he has used his firefighter connections to get NILMDTS photographers a discount on CaviWipes and he is a one man dynamo at trade shows - visiting as many booths as he can to spread the word about NILMDTS and solicit in-kind donations. Jim is always willing to lend a helping hand and his work is so appreciated by Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

Please accept our thanks, Jim, for being such a dedicated volunteer and always going the extra mile.  

Congratulations! You are clearly due this honor!

Angela Donaldson

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

November 2009.

 Our November Volunteer of the Month is Denver area NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer, Angela Donaldson.  Angela has done an amazing 24 sessions in her 4 months as a volunteer. She has truly become one of the rocks co-founder and Area Coordinator Cheryl Haggard can count on.  Cheryl has this to say, "I remember the first time I had ever talked to her. A call had come in for a NILMDTS session. She called to introduce herself and requested to shadow the photographer on this session. I wrote down her information to pass on to the 'main' photographer when one volunteered. I never got a 'main' photographer. I probably sent out 2 or 3 request through email. Angela saw these requests and called me back. She said she felt fairly confident that she could do the session by herself and would take the request. I talked to her for awhile about what she could expect, and to call me anytime during the session, if she had a question or concern. It was then that she told me she was a parent that had received NILMDTS services the year prior, from NILMDTS affiliated photographer, Gary Gray. Her son Ethan was born still on February 13th, 2008. I let her go, knowing deep down in my heart, she would do a wonderful job. She hasn't disappointed me. After her first session was completed, edited and given to the family, she called me almost every time a request went out. I had to tell her several times, to 'slow down.' Warning her about burn out. She has not taken my advise. October 23rd 2009 marked her 4 month anniversary with NILMDTS and to date she has done 23 sessions. I know I can always call her with my plea if a photographer can't be found for a session. Thank you Angela."

Thank you for being an outstanding Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer, Angela!

Congratulations! You are clearly due this honor!

Cliff Lawson

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

August 2009.

Our August Volunteer of the Month is a Denver Area Coordinator for Parker Adventist (Children's), Sky Ridge and also a NILMDTS Certified Trainer. Cliff is a true asset to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. He is one of the area leaders in sessions taken (and logged!) and  is truly committed to developing new Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer photographers to become active in the organization. Cliff, a retired United Airlines pilot and United trainer, has put his teaching skills to good use for NILMDTS. His engaging manner and warmth put even the most nervous new photographers at ease. The images that he creates for bereaved families are both beautiful and powerful and we are lucky to call him a Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep photographer. Parent Coordinator, Kathy Schneider says, "Cliff is wonderful and will always try to rearrange his schedule if no one steps up to take a session. I love that he is someone I can count on."  His leadership is helping many families who might not have otherwise been able to capture precious memories with their infants.

Thank you for being an outstanding Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer, Cliff!

Congratulations! You are clearly due this honor!

Julie Williams

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

July 2009.

Our July Volunteer of the Month is the Area Coordinator for Salt Lake City and also a NILMDTS Certified Trainer. Julie is tireless in her dedication to the organization and is determined that no family in her area go unserved. She manages to juggle family, friends and service and still remain one of the happiest people you could have the pleasure of talking to!

Jami Stensrud, Affiliated Photographer says, "I feel so blessed to know Julie, both as a friend and as an Area Coordinator for NILMDTS, and I know that so many others share my love for her. Julie is so dedicated to this wonderful cause, and her compassion and talents make her invaluable to the other volunteers and especially to the families she serves. The images that she creates for the families are breathtaking, and she sincerely has a desire to soothe and heal their wounded hearts. I had the opportunity to shadow Julie when I was first starting with NILMDTS, and after talking with her and watching her for only a few minutes, it was obvious how much she loves this organization and what a great asset she is to it."

"Julie is one of our earthly angels. Her selfless service has given us a gift we will treasure for the rest of our lives! She really cares. She gives her time and talents with no thought to herself. I'm honored to know her", says Amy Whitney, a NILMDTS volunteer and a mother for whom Julie took priceless photos.

Thank you for being an outstanding Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer, Julie!

Congratulations! You are clearly due this honor!

Angela Spieker

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

June 2009.

Our June Volunteer of the Month is an Area Coordinator in Joplin, Missouri. Angela was nominated by the hospital staff member, Karleen Martin, at Freeman Health. Karleen wrote, "...her name means "Angel" and she lives up to her name. It doesn't matter what the situation, the condition or the gestation of the infant, she is able to make a very sad time beautiful. She handles families in crisis with such an enormous amount of grace while producing lovely keepsakes for them. She freely gives her time and talent to make a difference, expecting nothing in return."

Freeman Health System 1102 W 32nd Joplin, MO 64804

04/07/09

To Whom It May Concern:

Angela, her name means "Angel" and she lives up to her name. It doesn't matter what the situation, the condition or the gestation of the infant, she is able to make a very sad time beautiful. She handles families in crisis with such an enormous amount of grace while producing lovely keepsakes for them. She freely gives her time and talent to make a difference, expecting nothing in return. She is a very gifted and a special person! Angela is an enormous blessing to our community.

In addition to coming when there is a perinatal death, Angela Spieker is here every week providing a service to our NICU babies and parents that might otherwise not exist. She is here talking photos of babies and their parents, when their little lives are hanging in the balance. She gives them a CD full of pictures so they have a memory of their baby even if they don’t survive. She does this all for nothing more than a simple thank you. These family photos are very precious and she does everything she can to take great pictures that may give comfort for years to come. Really, these are more than just pictures, they are artfully done keepsakes.

We are so blessed to have such an amazing photographer teaming up with us to serve our families. No one else in the area will volunteer to help but she is willing to go not only to Freeman but to other area hospitals even driving quite a distance to assist. Angela responses day or night, weekday or weekend, whatever and whenever her services are needed. Wherever she goes, her personality brings out the best in everyone. She pulls the nurses and families together as a team to meet the needs of grieving parents.

Angela Spieker deserves to be recognized for her contribution and service to others. These thoughts and feelings were volunteered by our staff about Angela for us to pass on to you.

From: The Maternal/Child Department

Sincerely, Karleen Martin, Bereavement Coordinator  

Thank you for being an outstanding Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer, Angela!

Congratulations! You are clearly due this honor!

Debbie Malone

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

May 2009.

Our May Volunteer of the Month is in the Oklahoma City network. Debbie was nominated by Area Coordinator Christy Goodger, who says, "Debbie is an awesome volunteer and has been a huge asset to Carrie and I during the time of my broken arm and Carrie dealing with her cancer treatments. She answers every text we send, whether she can take the call or not. She has taken a majority of the calls since she has joined. There have been some calls that I won't let her take because I'm afraid of burn-out. I tell her we will wait a few hours until I can text the other volunteers enough times to get someone else to go. She has logged her sessions too!! She may have set a record in volunteer status!" Thank you for being an outstanding Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep volunteer, Debbie!

Congratulations, Debbie! You are clearly due this honor!

Office Volunteers

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteers of the Month

April 2009.

For our April 2009 Volunteer of the Month, we're doing something a little different. Every week we have 5 wonderful volunteers who come in and help us out in the headquarters office. For the last several months they have been tirelessly scanning and emailing VSAs,  creating new file folders for all of our 7,000 volunteer photographers and filing, filing, filing. They've each committed to a weekly schedule and just about every day we see one or two of their smiling faces. It has been a life-saver to have so many willing helpers! Please "meet" (from left to right) Bernice Gruber, Kathy Wheeler, Victoria Peters-Henderson and Veronica Erickson (not pictured).

These wonderful volunteers have lightened the load in the headquarters office.  They show up with a smile and a ready to work attitude each and every week!  

Congratulations, Bernice, Kathy, Victoria and Veronica! You are clearly due this honor!

Jennifer Brown

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

March 2009.

Our March 2009 Volunteer of the Month, Jennifer Brown, is the kind of volunteer an organization dreams of. In addition to acting as Area Coordinator for the Northern Idaho/Spokane Washington region, she is also a Certified Trainer, helps Kirk Kief manage the busy Digital Retouch Artist "Call on Me" room in our photographer's forum. Jennifer not only agreed to take over the job of Digital Retouch Artist, she also developed a plan to make the whole system run more smoothly. Serving as a NILMDTS volunteer in an area where there aren't as many calls as in some of our busier, metro areas didn't diminish Jen's desire to help at all. Instead, she asks, "What can I do?".

There was a time recently that Jennifer had to have an emergency appendectomy. During her recuperation, she continued helping others by retouching files.

Forum Administrator Kirk Kief sums it up when he says, ""We have close to 7000 amazing Photographer volunteers, if we had 7000 Jennifer's then we could do the work of 14000!", and "NILMDTS Membership - $25.01 Monetary value of our gift to Families- $1000+, Jennifer Brown- Priceless."

Tasha Nicholls (VOM May '08) adds, "Jen has put countless hours into helping NILMDTS in myriads of ways. In addition to coordinating the retouching artists, she always makes herself available to assist other photographers with retouching questions and adds valuable insight and advice in the forum. She helps out whenever and however she can and has a true heart of gold."  

Congratulations, Jennifer! You are clearly due this honor!

Julia MacInnis

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

February 2009

With approximately 500 Area Coordinators now serving as leaders in the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep program, we are fortunate to call our February 2009 Volunteer of the Month, Julia MacInnis, a shining star. Julia has worked hard to build a team and succeed at handing the ever-increasing requests for services that come into heavily populated areas. Julia serves as a Co-Area Coordinator with Marirosa Anderson for the greater Washington, DC area. "From the first session we did together at 2am I was touched by her simplicity and style," said Marirosa. "Julia's commitment to NILMDTS is evident in everything she does. Julia's focus on building this community continues to inspire all the photographers in our area and I am personally grateful everyday for having her be here as a coordinator." Given the recent profile featuring Julia and her team in the Washington Post, volunteers in the area know that with increased awareness of our organization comes an increase in requests. Our staff and leadership team at headquarters would like to thank Julia and the team in DC for their amazing dedication to this organization. 

Congratulations, Julia! You are clearly due this honor!

Linda Ford

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

January 2008

Multiple people wrote to NILMDTS nominating Linda Ford for volunteer of the month (VOM), and the honor is overdue! In her tenure with NILMDTS, Linda has provided more than 1,500 remembrance images for families. From her hometown of North Olmsted, Ohio, Linda serves as an Area Coordinator for the Cleveland metropolitan area.

"Just a week ago, Linda photographed four different babies over seven days," wrote fellow Area Coordinator, Patrick Rice. "This is not the first time she has been this busy and it certainly won't be the last time," he stated. Linda recently paid her own way to Colorado to become a NILMDTS Certified Trainer, and she will be performing training seminars in the future. Our staff and leadership team at headquarters would like to thank Linda for her amazing dedication to this organization.

Congratulations, Linda, you are clearly due this honor!

Carrie LaFollette

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

December 2008

At NILMDTS headquarters, we are often familiar with the names that are submitted for volunteer of the month (VOM). That was definitely the case with this month's honoree as our leadership team selected Carrie LaFollette as VOM. As though her plate is not full enough at home in the Oklahoma City area as a professional photographer and a NILMDTS Area Coordinator, Carrie regularly offers to help with organization wide duties, including the recent task of organizing all of the music donated to NILMDTS and making it available for photographers to use for this work.

Today, Carrie could use a return favor, and we are sending her as much good energy as we can following her recent diagnosis of colon cancer. Carrie is putting her professional and volunteer work on a temporary hold as she focuses on her health. She is scheduled to undergo surgery this week. As Carrie is a strong person and always thinking positively, we expect her strength to help her through this battle. We have benefited first hand at headquarters from Carrie's willingness to work hard and pitch in when others need help.

In light of Carrie's recent diagnosis, she has notified us she only plans to take off the amount of time absolutely necessary before she returns to help her Co-Area Coordinator, Christy Goodger, and their team in the OKC region. Congratulations, Carrie, you are clearly due this honor!

Jose Velez

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

November 2008

Jose is one of our Affiliated Photographer Volunteers in Brandon, Florida. He was nominated by his Area Coordinator, Kaye Newsome. Kaye says, "As Area Coordinator, I couldn't ask for a better 'go to guy'. Jose has never turned me down for a session. In fact, when my number comes up on his cell phone, he answers with, "Hey there, where do you need me to go and when?". He is awesome. I always try to send my newbie photographers out with him for the first time because I want them all to be like him! He is the ultimate professional. Always sensitive to the needs and challenges of our angel's families. Jose is always on the lookout for opportunities to promote awareness of NILMDTS and I consider him the perfect 'poster photographer' for our organization."

And Kaye isn't Jose's only fan! Co-Founder Cheryl Haggard has this to say, "I met Jose for the first time this past year at PPA in Tampa.  I was instantly drawn to him and how he spoke of working with his NILMDTS babies and families. Jose has an incredible, giving heart and goes so far beyond my expectations with his service to NILMDTS. Photographers like Jose are the heart of the NILMDTS organization".  One of his photographer colleagues, Patrick Burley, says, "His smile brightens a room - the NILMDTS families are blessed o have a man with Jose's compassion."

His colleagues in the Tampa Bay area of Florida refer to Jose Velez as the "Poster Photographer" for our organization. Even at the headquarters office, we benefit regularly from our November Volunteer of the Month's outgoing persona and regular offers to help out in a variety of ways. Just a few days ago, Jose graciously stepped forward with another group of volunteers to represent our organization at the annual Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Awareness (PLIDA) conference. Regularly, Jose also helps out the organization by translating our English documents and web site pages into Spanish. In a recent survey Jose completed for his Area Coordinator, this is how Jose explained the impact that volunteering for NILMDTS has had on his life: "I've grown as a person and as a photographer by being able to perform under such difficult conditions and by sharing in a family's moment of greatest pain and sorrow." Congratulations, Jose, you are clearly due this honor!

At our Board of Directors meeting one week ago, we collectively decided that in this space, where we normally honor a NILMDTS Volunteer of the Month, that we will institute a new tradition. October is designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and in recognition of this, we will honor the thousands of angel babies captured in images by our affiliated photographers.

We have a number of resources for families, hospitals and anyone interested in creating and preserving those special memories in a new Forum page designed by Co-Founder Cheryl Haggard - CLICK HERE.

Thank you to the many parents who - when faced with this devastating news - have requested an NILMDTS photographer to provide everlasting portraiture to remember and memorialize their babies. Thank you to the hospitals who have so graciously embraced our program, welcomed our Affiliate Photographers, and worked with us as the program has evolved. And, Thank You so greatly to the thousands of photographers in 25+ countries who make this gift and this legacy possible.

Kevin and Kaye Newsome and Jo Burkhardt of Tampa, Florida

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteers of the Month

Yes, volunteers, plural! As nominations come in to the NILMDTS headquarters, this one by far is the most unique group our leadership team has considered. And yet, the "team" is a shining example of the many of you around the world working together to provide families with this everlasting gift of portraiture. We are proud to announce that the team of Kevin and Kaye Newsome and Jo Burkhardt makes up our "NILMDTS Volunteer Team of the Month" for September, 2008. 

The husband and wife team receive accolades for their compassionate bedside manner with NILMDTS families they photograph in Tampa. The Newsomes pick their favorite image and then send it to Burkhardt who then creates a stunning digital watercolor picture for the families.

"What an amazing gift this team is giving bereaved families in my community and I feel they should be recognized for it," wrote Lori Martini, a bereaved parent in the Tampa area. Thank you Kevin, Kaye and Jo for your amazing contributions to the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep program.

We are truly blessed and honored to have all of them as a part of this organization.

Congratulations, Kevin, Kaye and Jo!

Denise Clark

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

As a Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation Board of Directors member, a lot is expected of Dr. Denise Clark in her position as Chair of the Photographer Membership Committee. And does she ever deliver! On a local level, Denise also works with her husband Danny as the area coordinator for the Texas Medical Center in Houston where they receive on average 3-7 calls per week for NILMDTS services. Denise has been instrumental in creating a call system in the Houston area to ensure proper coverage every day of the month. Denise has a doctorate of pharmacy degree and is a full-time Medical Science Liaison in the pharmaceutical industry. She frequently travels the country in her job, but somehow she makes time each week to spend with her husband Danny, help with their family photography studio and raise two young children, Whitney (6) and James (4). In the midst of it all, she consults with the staff and volunteers at NILMDTS , returning emails and phone calls after she's passed through security and waiting to board a flight, or in the wee dark hours of the early morning or evening. We are truly blessed and honored to have Denise as a part of this organization.

Kathy Schneider

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

This month's Volunteer of the Month is Kathy Schneider of the Denver area. Just like the regions in where you live, the city of Denver has more than a dozen hospitals regularly requesting NILMDTS services.  As Denver is where NILMDTS started, our "reach and frequency" is quite large; and our need for help is great.  In addition to the NILMDTS volunteer network in Colorado needing assistance, so too, does our headquarters office, and Kathy Schneider is a superstar helping our staff each week. We are truly blessed and honored to have her as part of this organization.

Kathy and her husband David did not know about NILMDTS until they read an article in the Rocky Mountain News nearly one year ago in September of 2007. You see, it was exactly six years prior that Kathy gave birth to their first child, Isabelle, on that fateful day of September 11th, 2001. Isabelle did not survive an umbilical cord accident, and while the world was in disbelief at the terrorist attacks, the Schneiders were in mourning having just lost their daughter at the same moment in time that one of the planes slammed into the World Trade Center.

Now, seven years later, Kathy finds time while raising her two small boys, Matthew and Andrew, to take on Area Coordinator duties for the Denver area, help at the office, and participate on the Forum. When the call goes out for a volunteer, the staff at NILMDTS knows that they can count on Kathy, no matter how unexciting and administrative the task may be. Her tireless work for the organization is a true inspiration.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoys quilting and going to the pool with her boys and volunteering her time with many other causes. She is also a former pediatric dietitian at PSL, and her empathy and caring reflect her understanding of both sides of loss.

Congratulations, Kathy!

Thank you!

Heather Lombardo

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

While we often hear families refer to the children our NILMDTS photographers capture in images as "Angel Babies", one of the families that Heather Lombardo provided services for calls her, "... our angel with a camera." Following our implementation of the NILMDTS session logging system last fall, Heather personally inputted approximately 65 sessions into our system - YES - that's at least 65 families who have treasured images of their children thanks to Heather! As her Co-Area Coordinator Jessica Person puts it, "I can't say enough about the spirit of service present in the heart of Heather Lombardo. Her skill as a photographer is unquestioned, but as a leader she is unmatched." Heather is also assisting in a volunteer capacity processing new registrant applications as a member of the NILMDTS Board of Directors Application Review Subcommittee.

As one of our newly Certified NILMDTS Trainers, Heather will be canvassing the state of Minnesota to provide regional training seminars for new and veteran members in the area. We expect Heather will be a great ambassador for the program to correctly teach the skills, techniques and personal interactions necessary for a volunteer to succeed in this challenging work. Congratulations, Heather! Thank you!

Tasha Nicholls

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

Tasha Nicholls received praise and nominations for this honor from around the country!

Most of you know of Tasha's work from her constant presence on the NILMDTS Forum. The NILMDTS photographers in the Portland area rave "if only everyone was as fortunate as we are to have a 'Tasha' in their area!"

Tasha serves as a Parent Coordinator, assisting the photographers with families in any way possible. She is also a regular contributor to the Forum - both on the Family - and because she has Coordinator privileges - and on the Photographer side. Just a few years ago, Tasha might not have known what a "soft box" or "Photoshop" was but today she is proficient in many skills such as building extravagant graphics and video editing. Despite the fact that she has four children of her own, here are a few of the extraordinary services and items Tasha has provided to NILMDTS in a voluntary capacity:

* Complete redesign of the Photographer Recruitment Postcard * Design of the NILMDTS Business Card * Production from start to finish on the new NILMDTS Recruitment Video * Design of the Volunteer of the Month plaque

Additionally, Tasha is working on the redesign of our NILMDTS Brochures - the staple found in nearly every hospital in the country. We're hoping to have the new brochures available in the near future. (Watch for e-blasts or news on the Forum.) Here at the NILMDTS Headquarters office, Tasha is practically an employee - although she does all of her work for free. With as little as an hour's notice, she'll draft up a graphic or a document for us - whatever we need. Our entire organization is fortunate to have folks like Tasha pouring their heart and soul into helping others through their personal talents. Congratulations, Tasha! Thank you!

Aimee Bickers

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Volunteer of the Month

This month's Volunteer of the Month is Aimee Bickers of Apex, NC.  Aimee joined the NILMDTS ranks in September 2006 and has been steadfast in her dedication to helping families capture priceless memories.

I contacted Aimee after finding her name listed on the national site. Aimee struck me as a dedicated caring and compassionate person from our first conversation. Aimee serves as the area coordinator for Raleigh/Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A busy mom to three young children, including former pre-term twins, Aimee really "gets it." Within the first month NILMDTS was introduced to our unit, we had ten deaths. All I ever had to do was call Aimee and she was here with her camera and her heart. - Marie S. Peluso, RN Bereavement Support Nurse Duke Intensive Care Nursery

Pure Expressions Photography

It's just not possible to attribute success solely to ones own talent, desire or determination. Success comes on the heels of working hard, working smart and in giving back to those that need it most. Success is also not measured by the amount of money one has, nor the time spent working, but through generosity of heart, mind and soul.

This quote, taken from Aimee's website, illustrates her dedication and commitment to giving back to the community that has helped her grow as a professional over the years.  Aimee is the Area Coordinator for the Raleigh/Durham area of NC and is active in both the Duke University and UNC Hospital systems.

She has logged 15 sessions since our automated system went live (in October 2007) and many many more since joining in September 2006.  She is working diligently to recruit area photographers and expose hospitals to the services that NILMDTS can offer.  Her leadership is helping many families who might not have otherwise been able to capture precious memories with their infants.

Great job Aimee! Thank you!