Amber Perry
Grand Rapids
Summary
Dynamic Certified Lactation Counselor with over 5 years of personal breastfeeding experience, adept at delivering tailored health education and support. Proven success in collaborating with Cherry Health and Corewell Health to empower families through comprehensive assessments and personalized care plans, utilizing strong interpersonal skills and expertise in maternal and infant health to enhance community wellness.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Lactation Counselor
Independent Contractor
10.2024 - Current
- Providing specialized support and education to breastfeeding persons and families.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of mothers and infants, focusing on breastfeeding history, challenges faced (such as latching difficulties or insufficient milk supply), and individual goals and preferences.
- Assist clients in identifying and resolving common breastfeeding issues, such as engorgement, mastitis, or low milk supply, using tailored strategies that meet their unique needs
- Facilitate Breastfeeding Support group twice a month.
- Connect clients with community resources, support groups, and additional services related to lactation, maternal health, and infant care, fostering a holistic approach to wellness
- Provide "on call support" through text or call, meeting clients where they are, conducting hospital, home, and virtual visits.
- Work closely with healthcare providers, including obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses, to create a coordinated approach to breastfeeding support and education within maternal and child health care.
- Stay updated on the latest research and developments in lactation and breastfeeding practices through continuous professional development and training, ensuring the provision of current and effective support to clients.
Private Home Gardener
Perennial People
03.2024 - Current
- Identify and remove invasive plants and noxious weeds for garden aesthetics and ecosystem health.
- Use trimmers and loppers for grounds maintenance, brush clearing, and tree removal and thinning.
- Perform fall and spring cleanup to clear brush and debris from landscaped areas.
- Use shears, pruners, and loppers to prune and trim hedges and shrubs.
- I design, cultivate, and maintain residential gardens, delivering personalized landscaping solutions that enhance outdoor spaces.
- My responsibilities encompass soil preparation, planting, pruning, and pest management to ensure healthy and thriving gardens.
- I conduct site assessments to customize garden layouts based on client preferences and environmental considerations. I also educate clients on best gardening practices, seasonal maintenance, and plant care, fostering a deep appreciation for their outdoor environments.
Trained Doula and Birth Worker
Independent Contracting
03.2015 - Current
- Provide emotional, physical and informational support to clients throughout their childbirth experience.
- Create a nurturing environment where my clients feel empowered and informed.
- Guide clients through pregnancy, labor and postpartum.
- Offer a variety of comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage, and relaxation strategies.
- Help families transition into parenthood by providing resources for breastfeeding, newborn care, and maternal wellness.
- Collaborate with Medical professionals to ensure a seamless and respectful birth experience, advocating for clients wishes and preferences.
Community Health Worker
Cherry Health
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Conduct comprehensive in-home assessments for clients, focusing on maternal and child health, family dynamics, and socio-economic factors affecting health. Build trusting relationships with clients to ensure effective communication and support.
- Provide culturally appropriate health education and resources to African American families, addressing specific challenges they may face, including access to care, nutrition, and prenatal and postnatal health practices.
- Deliver educational sessions on various topics, including interconception care, family planning, and substance abuse prevention. Empower clients with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions and improve overall family well-being.
- Assist clients in navigating local health services and community resources, including healthcare providers, social services, and support groups, ensuring they receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
- Participate in ongoing training and continuing education programs to enhance skills and knowledge in areas such as HIPAA compliance, substance abuse issues, and family planning. Stay abreast of best practices in community health work and healthcare policy.
- Advocate for clients within the healthcare system to address barriers to care and ensure that their voices are heard. Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to develop tailored care plans that respect cultural values and preferences.
- Work sensitively with families dealing with substance abuse issues, providing education on the impact of substance use on family health and wellness. Facilitate access to appropriate treatment resources and support services.
- Foster strong partnerships with families by involving them in their care process, encouraging participation in health-related discussions, and emphasizing the importance of proactive health management.
- Contribute to nonprofit board leadership initiatives, enhancing the organization's capacity to serve the community. Engage with local stakeholders to improve outreach strategies and community impact. Attending HVPN meetings and attending conferences at the state level.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
GRCC
Grand Rapids, MICertificate of Completion Over 100 Hours - Community Health
GRCC Workforce Training
Grand Rapids, MI03-2015
Skills
- Expertise in delivering health education on topics such as breastfeeding, family planning, maternal and child health, and substance abuse prevention
- Strong ability to assess client needs, develop personalized care plans, and coordinate with healthcare providers and community resources to ensure comprehensive support
- Experience conducting in-home visits to build rapport and trust, providing direct support and education in a familiar environment
- Personal experience as a mother and breastfeeding, over 19 years
- Strong interpersonal skills, enabling sensitive and responsive communication with clients, building trust and understanding
- Commitment to continuous learning through workshops and training in various areas, including HIPAA compliance, interconception care, and nonprofit board leadership
- Ability to identify challenges faced by clients and develop effective, tailored solutions to address these issues
- Proficient in assisting clients in accessing local health services, support groups, and community resources
- Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, social workers, and community organizations
- Strong ability to manage multiple cases and maintain accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices
- Capable of conducting workshops and educational sessions for clients and community members, enhancing health literacy and engagement
Accomplishments
- Proud mother of 4!
- Parent Representative for Kent County Local Leadership Group, Great Start Collaboration, and Early Childhood Investment Cooperation for over 5 years
- Over 90 hours of extensive, comprehensive lactation training.
- DONA and DayOne Doula collective training.
- Certified in NonProfit Board Leadership.
- Speaker and Presenter at Michigan Home Visiting Initative and MICQI.
- Participated in Parents Partnering for a Change
Certification
- CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor
- CHW- Certified Community Health Worker
- Birth Worker - Certified Doula through DayOne Doula Collective
Timeline
Certified Lactation Counselor
Independent Contractor
10.2024 - Current
Private Home Gardener
Perennial People
03.2024 - Current
Trained Doula and Birth Worker
Independent Contracting
03.2015 - Current
Community Health Worker
Cherry Health
08.2014 - 06.2016
No Degree - Criminal Justice
GRCC
Certificate of Completion Over 100 Hours - Community Health
GRCC Workforce Training