Register Now for VNF & VNA's Maternal Health Webinar Series!
Every Wednesday in May from 12:00 - 1:30pm
In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the
Virginia Nurses Foundation (VNF) and the Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) developed a 4-part webinar series designed to elevate healthcare awareness and promote optimal maternal health across communities featuring vital topics to improve healthcare and health equity, while addressing the complexities of maternal health.
This collaborative effort, with partners including the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, Postpartum Support Virginia, the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health, and the Virginia Department of Health, brings together statewide content experts for four impactful sessions. These webinars
provide insights, strategies, and resources to all healthcare professionals, to support a healthier maternal experience for all.
The Series At a Glance
Click on the 'About the Maternal Health Webinar Series' tab below for more detailed information. Sessions include:
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Maternal Health Foundational Data
Wed., May 7 | 12:00 – 1:30pm
Explore the essential data on maternal health and
its implications for health policy and interventions. Understanding the data behind maternal health is essential for providing optimal care.
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Peri/Postnatal
Depression & Anxiety
Wed., May 14 | 12:00 – 1:30pm
Learn about the signs, impacts, and treatment options for peri- and postnatal depression and anxiety, which are critical to improving maternal mental health.
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Substance Use & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
Wed., May 21 | 12:00 – 1:30pm
Explore the intersection of substance use, social factors, and maternal
health, and how to approach these challenges in healthcare settings.
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Pregnancy Loss
Wed., May 28 | 12:00 – 1:30pm
An overview of pregnancy mortality in Virginia, focusing
on risk factors, the importance of screening, early detection, intervention, and strategies to improve outcomes.
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Session 1: Maternal Health Foundational Data
Wednesday, May 7 | 12:00PM - 1:30PM
The first session of VNF and VNA’s Maternal Health Webinar Series will dive into the foundational maternal health data that forms the backbone of clinical practice. Understanding the data behind maternal health is essential
for nurses who are committed to providing optimal care delivery. This introductory session will explore key maternal health statistics, trends, and evidence-based practices that are essential for guiding informed decision-making
and improving patient outcomes.
During this webinar, nurses participants will:
- Gain an understanding of essential maternal health data and how to interpret it.
- Learn about statewide trends and statistics that shape the maternal health landscape in Virginia.
- Understand how to utilize data to drive clinical decisions that improve care delivery and patient safety.
- Learn how evidence-based practices can be integrated into daily clinical care to enhance the quality of maternal healthcare.
This session will feature statewide experts from leading organizations, including the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and other healthcare organizations across the commonwealth. These experts will share their insights on how to access maternal health data, interpret it, and implement it within your healthcare settings to create measurable impacts in care quality.
Why Foundational Maternal Health Data Matters
Attending the VNF/VNA Maternal Health Webinar Series is an opportunity for nurses to:
- Enhance their clinical practice with cutting-edge maternal health data.
- Access valuable resources and learn how to leverage data for better patient outcomes.
- Contribute to the improvement of maternal healthcare quality in Virginia.
- Connect with statewide experts and peers in the field of maternal health.
view on-demand!
Session 2: Peri/Postnatal Depression & Anxiety
Wednesday, May 14 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Collaborating with Postpartum Support Virginia and content experts from across the state, this session will address the complexities of PMADs and how healthcare professionals can better support mothers experiencing these
conditions. Recognizing the signs, understanding the risk factors, and providing effective support is crucial in promoting the mental health of both mother and child.
During this webinar, participants will:
- Understand risk factors to identify at-risk patients early and provide the most effective interventions.
- Learn how to screen for PMADs consistently during prenatal and postpartum visits, using evidence-based tools and frameworks.
- Understand the importance of routine screening to ensure early detection and proper care.
- Learn how to interpret screening results to guide clinical decisions and initiate interventions.
- Discuss how to approach conversations about PMADs with patients and their families in a compassionate, safe, and supportive manner.
- Discover resources available to assist mothers facing PMADs, such as training programs, free care coordination services, and support groups.
Saving Lives by Recognizing PMADs Symptoms
This session is designed to equip nurses with the tools and knowledge to identify and manage perinatal and postpartum
mood and anxiety disorders effectively. Nurses will leave with a deeper understanding of how to screen consistently, interpret results, and provide follow-up care to ensure that mothers receive the support they need.
Nurses will have the opportunity to connect with statewide experts and peers in the field of maternal mental health.
View On-Demand!
Session 3: Substance Use & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
Wednesday, May 21 |12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are a growing concern in maternal care and are often misunderstood or stigmatized. This session will equip nurses with the tools to support pregnant and parenting individuals with SUDs through
respectful, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed care.
During this webinar, nurses will learn…
- Virginia-specific trends in maternal substance use and the most common substances impacting maternal health.
- How to use non-stigmatizing language to build rapport, improve patient trust, and promote positive maternal health and infant outcomes.
- How to recognize warning signs and use effective screening tools.
- Where to access key referral resources to support pregnant and parenting individuals with SUDs.
This session is ideal for nurses who want to deepen their understanding of SUD, reduce stigma, and improve care delivery for vulnerable populations. Whether you’re new to maternal health or a seasoned professional, you’ll leave with actionable strategies and valuable connections.
VIEW ON-DEMAND!
Session 4: Pregnancy Loss
Wednesday, May 28 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Pregnancy loss is a profound and often overlooked experience for patients—and for the healthcare professionals who care for them. In this deeply compassionate session, we’ll explore how to provide empathetic, trauma-informed support to individuals and families experiencing pregnancy loss.
During this webinar, nurses will:
- Understand the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of pregnancy loss at any stage.
- Learn appropriate and inclusive terminology that validates each person’s experience.
- Gain confidence in having supportive conversations during moments of loss.
- Discover available resources for patients and families experiencing pregnancy loss.
- Learn how to support staff who experience secondary trauma and emotional burnout as a result of caring for pregnancy loss.
This session is designed to help nurses create safer, more supportive spaces for families facing the unimaginable. By understanding grief, communication, and available resources, you can play a key role in healing and hope.
Please note: While no graphic content will be shown, this session contains emotionally sensitive material. Attendees are encouraged
to prioritize their well-being and take breaks as needed.
Why Attend the Final Session of the Maternal Health Webinar Series?
By joining session four, you’ll:
- Strengthen your ability to provide equitable, informed, and compassionate care.
- Gain insights from leading experts across Virginia in maternal and behavioral health.
- Earn free contact hours for your participation.
- Expand your professional network and access statewide referral tools and programs.
VIEW ON-DEMAND!
On-Demand Nursing Continuing Professional Development Disclosures
Nursing Continuing Professional Development Disclosures
The Virginia Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
There are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies for those with the ability to control the content of this activity.
Criteria for successful completion includes attendance at the entire event and completion of an evaluation.
This activity is being jointly provided by the Virginia Nurses Association, Virginia Nurses
Foundation Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, Postpartum Support Virginia, Virginia Department of Health, and M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health.
Nursing contact hours will be awarded
for completion of this activity until December, 31, 2025.
Virginia Nurses Foundation
The Virginia Nurses Foundation (VNF) offers programs of support and innovation for nurses and nursing in the commonwealth. VNF supports the 130,000 registered nurses across the commonwealth by providing nursing scholarships and
working to improve the health of all Virginians by advancing the future of nursing.
visit website!
 Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative
The Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative exists to ensure that every mother has the best possible perinatal care and every infant cared for in Virginia has the best possible start to life. We believe in an evidence-based,
data-driven collaborative process that involves care providers for women, infants and families as well as state and local leaders. We believe that working together now will create a stronger, healthier Virginia in the future.
visit website!
Postpartum Support Virginia
Postpartum Support Virginia’s MISSION is to help new and expectant mothers and their families overcome anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
visit website!
Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 35 local health districts. These entities work together
to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can combat chronic disease, educate the public about emergency preparedness and threats to their health, and track disease outbreaks in Virginia.
visit website!
M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global HealthThe Brock Institute is an essential community stakeholder to address factors influencing the health of individuals, families, and the most at-risk communities. Integrating the clinical, educational and research programs of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University to fulfill the institution's vision of becoming the most community-oriented school of medicine and health professions in the nation.
Through strategic prioritization and partnership, the institute collaboratively leads stakeholders within the institute and throughout the region to achieve goals that measurably improve the health of eastern Virginia. visit website!
Session 1 Speakers
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Shannon Pursell, MPH
Senior Director, Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative
Shannon Pursell is the Senior Director of the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaboration (VNPC). She is an Army veteran, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a medic working with Soldiers as well
as the local population. She also has expertise in state and local public health areas, maternal and child health, chronic disease, adolescent immunization, and programs with an emphasis on improving
maternal and infant health outcomes, community engagement, social drivers of health and partnership building. She completed her Master’s in Public Health in 2007 at Walden University and her Bachelors
of Science at Purdue University in Health Services. When not at work you can find her on the football or softball field cheering on her son and daughter.
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Katie Page, CNM, MSN, FACNM
Staff Midwife, CMG Women's Center
Katie is a Virginia midwife in full-scope practice since 2010. She has worked in rural and urban hospital settings in physician-led and midwifery-led care models. She is active in midwifery and nursing professional
organizations and led the lead legislative victories in 2021 and 2025 related to full-practice authority of CNMs and CMs, equitable reimbursement for midwifery services, and expanded hospital privileging for
midwives in the Commonwealth. In 2015, she led her hospital’s work in the ACNM Healthy Birth Initiative Reducing Primary Cesarean Collaborative and became a Data-Center co-lead for the national project until
it closed in 2019. She has authored or co-authored 5 peer-reviewed articles about clinical practice guidelines for use of exogenous oxytocin in labor, increasing nurse-self efficacy for labor support, trends
and experience of liability among US midwives, induction of labor practices, and re-defining midwifery-led care service models. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Colorado Anschutz College of
Nursing investigating midwifery-led care as a complex healthcare intervention to improve care quality and increase midwifery implementation in hospital settings. Her work includes health systems and implementation
science approaches to solve healthcare service delivery dilemmas.
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 Evan Isaacs, MPH, CPH
Data Analyst, Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative
Evan Isaacs serves as a Data Analyst for the Virginia Neonatal and Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC) after starting in October 2023. Evan earned his Master of Public Health focused on Epidemiology from Indiana University
– Purdue University at Indianapolis, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health – Epidemiology from Purdue University. He also has hands-on epidemiological experiences from both the state and local levels of
government where he primarily focused on disease surveillance and community driven success. Evan brings a skilled understanding of the link between data and public health outcomes to the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal
Collaborative where he plans to contribute to the improvement of maternal and infant health.
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 Melanie J. Rouse, PhD
Maternal Mortality Projects Manager, Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Division of Death Prevention
Dr. Melanie Rouse was born and raised in Richmond, VA. She received her B.A. in Biological Sciences from University of Delaware before completing her M.S. in Health Promotion and Ph.D. in Health Services Research
from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research interests include social determinants of health and racial and ethnic disparities in reproductive health and maternal mortality. Dr. Rouse
has been with the Virginia Department of Health since September 2015. She currently serves as the Virginia Maternal Mortality Projects Manager in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In this position, she
manages the Virginia Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Surveillance System and the maternal mortality database. She also coordinates all activities for the Virginia Maternal Mortality Review Team (MMRT). Dr. Rouse
was instrumental in establishing a partnership between the MMRT and the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative to support in the implementation of recommendations made by the MMRT. Dr. Rouse has been
named a Government Expert on addressing the drivers of maternal mortality by the Alliance for Health Policy. And, she also volunteers on the March of Dimes Virginia Maternal and Child Health Committee.
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 Evelyn Escobar, MPH
Maternal and Women's Health Senior Epidemiologist, Virginia Department of Health's Office of Family Health Services, Division of Population Health Data
Evelyn Escobar, MPH, is the Maternal and Women's Health Senior Epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in the Office of Family Health Services, Division of Population Health Data. Evelyn is skilled
in critical public health thinking, trend surveillance, and data analytics. She analyzes statewide data for the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant and Title X Family Planning Service Grant along with
several other maternal and reproductive health programs. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health (MPH) from Virginia Commonwealth University and previously worked as the Reproductive Health
and Perinatal/PRAMS Epidemiologist in the Office of Family Health Services, Division of Population Health Data and as the Overdose Fatality and Fetal/Infant Mortality Review Coordinator at the Office of the
Chief Medical Examiner also at the Virginia Department of Health. Evelyn's work aims to provide safe and equitable reproductive health and maternal care access through data analysis and program explanation in
Virginia.
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 Jane Colwell, MSN, RN
Senior Director, Carilion Clinic
In her position, Jane serves Women's Quality and Patient Safety, Children's Quality and Patient Safety, Child Life Program, and several ambulatory clinics: Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Healthy Lifestyles,
Adolescent Medicine, and the LIFT Center. Jane has a BA in Political Science from Furman University, a BSN degree in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina, and an MSN in Nursing Leadership
from Grand Canyon University. Some of her career accomplishments include a ‘Hold the Gains’ SHINE award for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and developing a free-standing surgery center for Carilion
Clinic Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. These experiences sparked her interest in leadership and patient safety, and she went on to join Carilion's Clinical Advancement and Patient Safety (CAPS) team where she contributed
to the National Patient Safety Foundation award-winning Carilion Clinic Root Cause Analysis and Action Handbook and converted the RCA2 process to a virtual format as the Team Leader for CAPS Quality Improvement
Facilitators during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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 Kelli Griffiths, BSN, RN, RTSCBC
Maternal and Infant Program Manager, Centra Health
Kelli is a dedicated and compassionate nursing leader with over a decade of experience, having earned her RN in 2013 and, most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration. She currently serves as the
Maternal and Infant Program Manager at Centra Health, where she leads several critical initiatives, including Perinatal Loss Services, the Maternal and Pediatric Morbidity Review Committees, the Perinatal Palliative
Care Team (as co-chair), and the Maternal Health Collaborative (as co-lead).
Her expertise in perinatal loss has been nationally recognized—she was published as a subject matter expert for the Board of Certification for Emergency Nurses' perinatal loss education module and is preparing
to publish findings from her own recently concluded research study. She has also presented her research through multiple verbal disseminations to both internal stakeholders and professional audiences.
Kelli holds certification as a Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) Certified Bereavement Coordinator, a distinction she earned as part of the inaugural cohort in 2023. Her work is deeply personal: as a mother of three,
including one child lost to miscarriage in 2020, she brings empathy and lived experience to the families she serves.
In recognition of her exceptional care, Kelli received the DAISY Award in 2017 and has been nominated five additional times. She is an active member of several professional and academic organizations, including
Tau Sigma and Sigma Nursing Honor Societies.
Kelli’s blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and heartfelt advocacy continues to shape maternal and infant care at both the bedside and system level.
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Session 2 Speakers
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 Mandolin Restivo, MA, CLC, CD
Executive Director, Postpartum Support VA
Project Lead and Education Manager, Virginia Mental Health Access Program Moms+
Mandolin has worked in the field of women's health and mental health for over twenty years. She is an experienced non-profit manager and a birth and postpartum doula. Her professional experience includes founding the
Bronx Reentry Working Group as Deputy Project Director for Bronx Community Solutions, directing the Ramapo College Women's Center and rape crisis program, and serving as a domestic violence intervention crisis counselor.
As a doula, she has served over 400 families during pregnancy and the first year postpartum.
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Kristen Miller, BA, IBCLC, PMH-C
Deputy Director, Postpartum Support VA
Kristen joined Postpartum Support VA in 2019. She has been professionally dedicated to supporting perinatal families for over seventeen years. She has been teaching perinatal classes for patients at her local hospital
since 2014 and currently serves as an inpatient lactation consultant. She is deeply committed to supporting families through their mental health journeys and helping parents achieve their personal infant feeding
goals with evidence-based care and compassionate support. Kristen’s work continues to be driven by her dedication to empowering families, fostering community connections, and improving perinatal mental health in
Virginia.
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Session 3 Speakers
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 Lauren Kozlowski, MSW, MPH
Maternal and Infant Health Consultant
Office of Family Health Services, Virginia Department of Health
Lauren's current role at the Virginia Department of Health involves working closely with a variety of teams on legislation, programs, and policies impacting pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and families. Prior to that, she worked at the Center for Maternal Substance Abuse and Child Development at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. While there, she focused on maternal substance use prevention and counseling both the public and providers on a variety of perinatal exposures. She is currently serving as the Treasurer for the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. Lauren received her B.A. in Women’s Studies from the University of Georgia, and her MSW and MPH from Boston University.
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Dr. Cynthia Romero, MD
Director, M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health
Dr. Cynthia Romero is a Professor of Family and Community Medicine and currently serves as the Director of the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health in the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health
Sciences at Old Dominion University. In that role, she is working to improve the health of all people in Hampton Roads through collaborative educational, clinical care and research activities focused on addressing
health disparities and advancing health equity.
Prior to joining the Brock Institute, Dr. Romero served as Virginia’s State Health Commissioner, the primary advisor on health policy for the Governor, General Assembly and Virginia Board of Health. Dr. Romero was in
private practice for 20 years at Romero Family Practice with 16 of those years with her mother as her partner and her father as the office administrator. While in practice, she also served 5 years as the Chief
Medical Officer and Vice President for Quality and Medical Affairs for Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. She has been involved with health policy since medical school, has served as president of the Medical Society
of Virginia (MSV), Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, Norfolk Academy of Medicine, and the Philippine Medical Association of Southeastern Virginia. She is an MSV Delegate to the American Medical Association
House of Delegates. She is Chairman of the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater overseeing the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia. She is a member of the Mayor of Virginia Beach’s IDEA Commission
(Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) and board member of the Claude Moore Opportunities, Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Early Impact Virginia, Physicians for Peace as well as Chair of the Bon Secours
Hampton Roads Health System Board and Chair of the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission.
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Heather May, BSN, RNC-MNN
Perinatal Nurse Navigator, Centra Health
Heather is a highly experienced Perinatal Nurse Navigator with a deep commitment to supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly those facing substance use disorders and the challenges associated with
social determinants of health. With over 25 years of nursing experience, Heather holds an RN diploma from Centra College of Nursing (2000) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 2019).
Since 2010, Heather has been a Certified Maternal Newborn Nurse through the National Certification Corporation (NCC) and has gained extensive experience in multiple roles within maternal and child health. Heather served
as a RN Clinic Nurse in the MotherBaby Care Unit for five years and worked as a Women & Children’s Resource Team Nurse for 13 years. In this role, Heather cared for patients across various units including the
MBU, ICN, Pediatric, Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic, GYN Oncology Clinic, and Infusion Center. Additionally, Heather helped lead the NEST (Newborn Extended Stay and Transition) project, which supported keeping mothers
and babies together during their hospital stay rather than separating them in the neonatal setting.
As a Lead Preceptor and Education Champion, Heather provided guidance and mentorship to nursing staff. Since 2018, Heather has served as a Perinatal Nurse Navigator, specializing in coordinating care for pregnant and
postpartum individuals struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and social determinants of health. In this role, Heather works closely with a multidisciplinary team to offer culturally appropriate, respectful
care to this vulnerable population. One of Heather's significant contributions includes the creation of a maternal-neonatal consult that brings together a neonatologist, Perinatal Nurse Navigator, social worker,
and lactation team to plan for the care of mothers and babies before birth.
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 Glenda Knight, LPC, CSAC
Women’s Services and Specialty Population Manager, Virginia Department of Behavioral health and Developmental Services
Glenda M. Knight is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with over 30 years of experience in Behavioral Health. She serves as the Women’s Services and Specialty Population Manager,
Office of Substance Use Services, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. She provides leadership and technical assistance to Virginia’s Community Services Boards and oversees Project
LINK programs supporting pregnant and parenting women affected by substance use disorders.
Glenda’s background includes extensive work with military populations, court-involved individuals, and women with co-occurring needs. She is a recognized expert in gender-responsive SUD treatment and a passionate
advocate for family-centered care. Her previous roles include 18 years at a Virginia CSB, where she led clinical services and home visiting programs for maternal and child health.
A U.S. Army veteran and former Pentagon service member, Glenda is deeply committed to public service. She serves on multiple state committees focused on maternal and infant health and early childhood systems. Outside
of work, she enjoys international travel with her husband and giving back through charitable book donations for children in her community.
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Session 4 Speakers
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 Emily Yeatts, MSW, MPH
Reproductive Health Unit Supervisor, Virginia Department of Health
Emily Yeatts is the Reproductive Health Unit Supervisor at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). She works with her team to oversee a variety of reproductive health programs including family planning, adolescent health, support for pregnant and parenting teens, state doula certification, state funded abortions, and pregnancy loss. She is proud to have started her public health career as a bilingual HIV tester, counselor, and outreach worker at Minority Health Consortium. Prior to working at VDH, she served as the Education Director at the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, where she worked with a team to plan, implement, and evaluate sex education programs in central and eastern Virginia. She earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) from Virginia Commonwealth University. Emily is a Certified Volunteer Master Naturalist and an avid library user.
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Kelli Griffiths, MSN, RN, RTSCBC
Maternal and Infant Program Manager, Centra Health
Kelli is a dedicated and compassionate nursing leader with over a decade of experience, having earned her RN in 2013 and, most recently, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration. She currently serves as the Maternal
and Infant Program Manager at Centra Health, where she leads several critical initiatives, including Perinatal Loss Services, the Maternal and Pediatric Morbidity Review Committees, the Perinatal Palliative Care
Team (as co-chair), and the Maternal Health Collaborative (as co-lead).
Her expertise in perinatal loss has been nationally recognized—she was published as a subject matter expert for the Board of Certification for Emergency Nurses' perinatal loss education module and is preparing to publish
findings from her own recently concluded research study. She has also presented her research through multiple verbal disseminations to both internal stakeholders and professional audiences.
Kelli holds certification as a Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) Certified Bereavement Coordinator, a distinction she earned as part of the inaugural cohort in 2023. Her work is deeply personal: as a mother of three, including
one child lost to miscarriage in 2020, she brings empathy and lived experience to the families she serves.
In recognition of her exceptional care, Kelli received the DAISY Award in 2017 and has been nominated
five additional times. She is an active member of several professional and academic organizations, including Tau Sigma and Sigma Nursing Honor Societies.
Kelli’s blend of clinical expertise, leadership, and heartfelt advocacy continues to shape maternal and infant care at both the bedside and system level.
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Magnolia Totaro, MSW
Social worker, VCU Family Planning
Magnolia joined the VCU Family Planning team in 2024 as the team’s first full-time social worker, a role in which she provides support for both the emotional and practical needs of patients seeking abortion care services
and pregnancy loss care. She is committed to fostering a welcoming and non-judgmental space for open expression of the variety of feelings that accompany the end of a pregnancy. She currently facilitates VCU’s
perinatal loss grief support group.
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 Sonyia Elder, RNC, CN-IV, IBCLC, LCCE, GC-C
VCU Health Ryan Family Planning Program Manager
Sonyia has worked in Women’s Health for 38 years with a primary focus in high-risk pregnancy, perinatal loss, and family planning services. Nursing allows her the honor to work as part of an interdisciplinary team in
the service of patients and families providing comprehensive and holistic care. With national and international certifications in Ambulatory Women’s Health Care, Lactation, Lamaze Childbirth Education, and Grief
Counseling, Sonyia is uniquely qualified to serve women experiencing pregnancy loss across the spectrum.
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Session Presentation Slides
Click the buttons below to download the available slide deck PDFs. Presentations will be available the day after the live webinar airs. Please note that not all presenters may be permitted to share their slides.
Session 1: Maternal Health Foundational Data
view / download slide deck
Session 2: Peri/Postnatal Depression & Anxiety (PMADs)
view / download slide deck
Session 3: Substance Use & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
view / download slide deck
Project LINK Program | Glenda Knight, Women's Services Coordinator & Specialty Population Manager, Virginia Department of Health, DBHDS
view / download slide deck
Session 4: Pregnancy Loss view / download slide deck
Session 1: Maternal Health Foundational Data / General Maternal Health Resources
- VDH Maternal & Child Health Dashboard
The MCH dashboard displays metrics on preterm births, birthweight, infant mortality, prenatal care, and maternal smoking, and is sortable by year,
region, health district, locality, and race/ethnicity.
view here
- VDH Maternal Mortality Dashboard
Data on maternal mortality from the Office of Vital Records.
view here
- VDH Pregnancy-Associated Deaths Dashboard
Displays statistics related to pregnancy-associated deaths.
view here
- VDH Population Health Data Request Form
Use this form to request non-communicable disease or health survey data, including Maternal and Child Health data (including data related to Title
V, reproductive health, births, newborn screening, infant and maternal mortality, children and youth with special health care needs); and Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data.
view here
- VMAP for Moms+
The Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) acquired additional state funding to launch a perinatal expansion—VMAP for Moms+. VMAP for Moms+ was developed for Virginia
prescribers who provide care to pregnant and postpartum individuals and/or their children.
visit website
Session 2: Peri / Postnatal Depression & Anxiety (PMADs) Resources
- Postpartum Support Virginia
Postpartum Support Virginia’s MISSION is to help new and expectant mothers and their families overcome anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
visit website
- Postpartum Support Virginia | Provider Resources
Postpartum Support Virginia offers several trainings and learning opportunities geared specifically for providers.
visit website
- Handout | Anxiety & Depression Predictors & Risk Factors
A single page printable or downloadable flyer from Postpartum Support Virginia with social, environmental, biological and psychological factors for anxiety and depression related to postpartum.
view here
- Handout | PMADs Signs & Symptoms of Depression
A single page printable or downloadable flyer from Postpartum Support
Virginia with symptoms for depression related to PMADs.
view here
- Handout | PMADs Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
A single page printable or downloadable flyer from Postpartum Support Virginia with symptoms for anxiety related to PMADs.
view here
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-item questionnaire that was developed to identify women who have postpartum depression.
view here
- Patient Health Questionnaire
A 9-item questionnaire to assess patient mental health.
view here
- Mood Disorder Questionnaire
A multi-item questionnaire to identify mood disorders.
view here
- The 5Ps: Prenatal Substance Abuse Screen For Alcohol and Drugs
The 5Ps is an effective tool of engagement for use with pregnant women who may use alcohol or drugs. This screening tool poses
questions related to substance use by women’s parents, peers, partner, during her pregnancy and in her past. These are non-confrontational questions that elicit genuine responses which can be useful in evaluating
the need for a more complete assessment and possible treatment for substance abuse.
view here
- HITS: A Short Domestic Violence Screening Tool for Use in a Family Practice Setting
A short instrument for domestic violence screening that can be easily remembered and administered
by family physicians.
view here
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Assessment
A questionnaire used to measure the impact of potentially traumatic events on a person's life.
view here
- Philadelphia Adverse Childhood Experiences (PHL ACEs)
This survey accompanies a measure in the SPARQTools.org Measuring Mobility toolkit, which provides practitioners curated instruments for
assessing mobility from poverty and tools for selecting the most appropriate measures for their programs.
view here
- Postpartum Support Virginia | Downloadable Resources & Fact Sheets
Access downloadable resources and fact sheets for parents and families.
visit website
- The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | 1 (833) TLC - MAMA / 1 (833) 852 - 6262
Pregnant or just had a baby? The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and
here to help, 24/7.
visit website
- Postpartum Support Virginia | Support Groups
PSVa Support Groups provide support and community focused on the challenges of early parenthood and increasing mental wellness.
visit website
- Postpartum Support Virginia | Peer Mentor Program
PSVa’s Peer Mentor Program (PMP) is a free, evidence-based program for birthing people who are struggling with the transition to parenthood.
visit website
- Postpartum Support Virginia | Care Coordination Form
This free service helps perinatal individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and their families find individualized
care tailored to specific needs and preferences.
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- Postpartum Support Virginia | Support Directory
A digital directory of contacts to help coordinate support.
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- Postpartum Support Virginia | Shelane's Fund
Shelane’s Fund provides grants up to $500 to help new mothers and families overcome postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety
disorders. Funding can be used to cover expenses such as appointments with a therapist or psychiatrist or other birth / postpartum professional.
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- Postpartum Support Virginia | Newsletter Sign-Up
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- Postpartum Support Virginia | Understanding PMADs Training
Postpartum Support Virginia offers a 2-day virtual Understanding PMADs training. This training will help participants develop
skill for the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This training qualifies for NBCC and NASW continuing education credits. The content is designed to ensure you gain an understanding of the
spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, screening for these disorders, evidence-based treatment methods, as well as examine self-care and anti-racist practice
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- Postpartum Support Virginia | Lunch & Learn Series: Supporting NICU Families
Join PSVa and NEOwell co-founders Melissa Braun, MSN, CRNP, CBC, and Margie Kuczkowski, MSN, CRNP, CBC,
to explore "Supporting NICU Families: Mental Health, Best Practices, and How NEOwell Can Help".
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- VMAP for Moms+
The Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) acquired additional state funding to launch a perinatal expansion—VMAP for Moms+. VMAP for Moms+ was developed for Virginia
prescribers who provide care to pregnant and postpartum individuals and/or their children.
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- Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman in Santa Barbara, California. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness
among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
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- Postpartum Support Virginia | Linktree
Information and hyperlinks with PSVa resources for Virginia families and providers.
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Session 3: Substance Use (SUD) & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Resources
- 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
Conducted annually, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides nationally representative data on the use of tobacco,
alcohol, and drugs; substance use disorders; mental health issues; and receipt of substance use and mental health treatment among the civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged 12 or older in the United
States. NSDUH estimates allow researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the general public to better understand and improve the nation’s behavioral health. These reports and detailed tables present national
estimates from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
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- Virginia Department of Health | Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Dashboard
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a condition when babies are exposed to certain drugs in the womb before
birth. Drugs, such as pain medications (opioids) or stimulants (like cocaine or meth), can cause NAS.
view here
- Survey | Virginia Department of Health - Healthcare Provider Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Reporting
This survey is part of the Virginia Department of Health's assessment of clinician
knowledge regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a postnatal drug withdrawal syndrome in newborns. This survey will focus solely on the public health reporting requirements for NAS and will not address
reporting mandates from the Virginia Department of Social Services or Child Protective Services. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
view here
- Words Matter: Preferred Language for Talking About Addiction
Addiction is a chronic but treatable medical condition. Often unintentionally, many people still talk about addiction in ways that
are stigmatizing—meaning they use words that can portray someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) in a shameful or negative way and may prevent them from seeking treatment. With simple changes in language
harmful stigma and negativity around SUD can be reduced or avoided. Read on to learn more about what stigma is, how it affects people with SUD, and how you can help make a change.
Learn More
- Handout | The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment
A handout on reducing stigma through language that shares negative and positive word examples.
view here
- Free Virtual Training | Best Practices for Substance Use Disorder Treatment for the Maternal Population
Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health's Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Services, this evidence-based guidance offer suggestions for management of substance use.
Learn More
- Handout | Perintatal Counseling Services in Virginia
A chart of counseling service providers in Virginia, including their specialty areas and insurance coverage options.
view here
- Academy of Perinatal Harm Reduction
Addresses perinatal substance use through a reproductive and social justice lens.
visit website
- Pregnancy and Substance Use Harm Reduction Toolkit (English/Spanish)
Intended for use by pregnant and parenting people who use drugs, their loved ones, and their service providers. The goal
is to promote the overall health and wellbeing of pregnant people who use substances and their families.
visit website
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #21: Breastfeeding in the Setting of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder
Provides literature-based recommendations related to breastfeeding
in the setting of substance use and SUD treatments.
view here
- The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Legislative History
The key Federal legislation addressing child abuse and neglect is the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA),
originally enacted on January 31, 1974 (P.L. 93-247). This act has been amended several times and was last reauthorized on December 20, 2010, by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-320). It was amended
in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and most recently, certain provisions of the act were amended on January 7, 2019, by the Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-424).
Learn More
- Understanding CAPTA and State Obligations
This fact sheet addresses common misconceptions about what states are required to do to comply with the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act (CAPTA), with regard to newborn infants’ prenatal drug exposure. Many states and local child welfare agencies have assumed that CAPTA – a federal funding provision – requires them to report all substance-exposed
newborns to child welfare agencies as being abused or neglected. This assumption is incorrect; CAPTA does not require this.
Learn More
- Maternal Mental Health Screening & Tools
Screening tools are available in various forms and languages, including paper, web-based (medical and non-medical sites), questions read by a health
care professional through an electronic medical record interface, and smartphone apps.
visit website
- Virginia DBHDS Project LINK Program
The Project LINK program was developed in 1992 to provide gender-specific services to pregnant and parenting women. There are 14 Project LINK programs housed
in Community Services Boards (CSBs). Pregnant women impacted by substance use disorders are a priority population for CSBs and are provided services within 48 hours.
visit website
- Book | Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women With Opioid Use Disorder and Their Infants
This Clinical Guide provides comprehensive, national guidance for optimal management
of pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder and their infants. The Clinical Guide helps healthcare professionals and patients determine the most clinically appropriate action for a particular situation
and informs individualized treatment decisions.
view here
- A Collaborative Approach to the Treatment of Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorders
This guidance publication is intended to support the efforts of states, tribes, and local communities in
addressing the needs of pregnant women with opioid use disorders and their infants and families.
view here
- The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) | Care for Pregnant and Postpartum People with Substance Use Disorder Patient Safety Bundle
The Care for Pregnant and Postpartum People
with Substance Use Disorder Patient Safety Bundle provides actionable steps that can be adapted to a variety of facilities and resource levels to improve quality of care and outcomes for patients with substance
use conditions.
view here
- Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) | Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Replication Projects
As part of AMCHP’s Perinatal Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Implementation
& Policy Hub initiative, we are excited to announce that we have added 13 new Perinatal SUD practices and policies to the MCH Innovations Database! This growing collection now includes evidence-based/informed
practices and policies that support families impacted by perinatal SUD. Explore our summary resource to learn more about the new and existing perinatal SUD practices and policies.
view here
- MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby, a service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), is the nation’s leading authority and most trusted source of evidence-based
information on the benefit or risk of medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They specialize in answering questions about the benefit/risk of exposures, such as medications,
vaccines, chemicals, herbal products, substances of abuse, maternal health conditions and much more, during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Their no-cost information service is available to women who are pregnant
and/or breastfeeding, their family members, health professionals, and the general public via chat, text, phone, and email in both English and Spanish.
visit website
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) | Preferred Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Manual
view here
- SAMHSA's National Help Line | 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish)
for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
visit website
- SAMHSA | Clinical Guidance for Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women With Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Their Infants
This Guide recommends feasible, standard approaches to the care of pregnant
and parenting women with OUD and their infants that can be adopted in care settings throughout the United States. It also provides clinical guidance for healthcare professionals seeking to optimize outcomes
for women and infants in their care.
view here
- FindTreatment.gov
A confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.
visit website
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) United
FASD United empowers people living with FASD and prenatal substance exposure to educate systems of care and the public, enact policies, and unite
communities everywhere.
visit website
- Provider Tool | The 5 P's Prenatal Substance Abuse Screen For Alcohol and Drugs
The 5 P's is an effective tool of engagement for use with pregnant women who may use alcohol or drugs.
This screening tool poses questions related to substance use by women’s parents, peers, partner, during her pregnancy and in her past. These are non-confrontational questions that elicit genuine responses which
can be useful in evaluating the need for a more complete assessment and possible treatment for substance abuse.
view here
- Confronting Pregnancy Criminalization Guide from Pregnancy Justice
A practical guide for healthcare providers, lawyers, medical examiners, child welfare workers, and policymakers on confronting
pregnancy criminalization.
view here
- Central Virginia Addiction & Recovery Resources (CVARR)
The mission of CVARR is to protect our community from the devastating impacts of substance use through collaborative problem-solving
and grassroots efforts. Their Services Locator Tool comprised of a continuum of available services relating to substance use across Virginia. For those who are struggling with substance use or have a family
member who is struggling, a comprehensive variety of support services and treatment options have been combined into one interactive tool for ease of community access.
visit website
- Horizon Behavioral Health Location Finder
Horizon Behavioral Health is the premier provider of mental health, substance use and intellectual disability services in Central Virginia.
visit website
- The Central Virginia Hope Initiative
The Central Virginia Hope Initiative is a network of local, regional and national recovery service providers who will rally behind someone with a substance
use disorder to provide access to care. In addition to linking participants to appropriate services, the Central Virginia Hope Initiative is engaged in community efforts to increase affordable resources
for substance use disorders.
visit website
- Comprehensive Treatment Centers for Opioid Use Disorder Programs
A country-wide network of medication-assisted treatment centers and opioid treatment programs. Find treatment near you.
visit website
- Addiction Allies
Addiction Allies is a comprehensive Addiction Medicine and Substance Abuse Treatment program in Central Virginia. They provide treatment for adults, adolescents, and pregnant
women with substance use disorder, including those with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Substances include opioids (fentanyl, heroin, prescription opioids, kratom), alcohol, stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine,
prescription amphetamines), benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, ativan), cannabis, and nicotine.
Their available services include medical evaluation and treatment, counseling, peer support, case management,
family support, Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine (Suboxone), naltrexone (Vivitrol).
visit website
- The Madeline Centre
The Madeline Centre provides clinic, school, and home based services to children and adults.
visit website
- BrightView Lynchburg Addiction Treatment Center
They provide medication for addiction treatment, individual counseling, group therapy and social support resources for the Lynchburg area.
visit website
- Crossroads of Lynchburg, VA | Suboxone Clinic
Dedicated to providing comprehensive support and effective treatment options for individuals seeking drug and alcohol treatment. The outpatient
addiction treatment center combines medical expertise with compassionate care to guide you toward a successful recovery.
visit website
- March of the Dimes | Information on Prescription Opioids During Pregnancy
Learn more about the use of prescription opioids during pregnancy.
visit website
- Preferred Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Providers by Managed Care Regions | Last updated April 21, 2025 | 223 Sites
Preferred Office-Based Addiction Treatment Programs,
also called Preferred OBATs, are a type of outpatient addiction
treatment designed for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Preferred OBATs provide high quality Medication-Assisted
Treatment
(MAT), for treating people with OUD as well as other primary substance use disorders (SUD). This list includes Medicaid enrolled Preferred OBATs along with their contact information.
view here
- The Pathways Project: Substance Use Disorder in Pregnant and Parenting Women
Provided by Dr. Cynthia Romero, MD, Director, M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health, this
3-tab excel sheet details community service boards, residential programs, community partner services and resources in eastern Virginia.
view here
Session 4: Pregnancy Loss Resources
Session 4: Pregnancy Loss Recommended Literature
- Book | You are not alone: Love Letters from Loss Mom to Loss Mom by Emily Long
- Book | From Father to Father: Letters from Loss Dad to Loss Dad by Emily Long
- Book | Black Angel Mom Guided Journal by Jeanae Hopgood-Jones
- Book | Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart by Alan D Wolfelt
- Book | It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand by Megan Devine
- Book | Grief is Love by Marisa Renee Lee
- Book | A Complicated Choice: Making Space for Grief and Healing in the Pro-Choice Movement by Katey Zeh
Continuing Education Disclosures
The Virginia Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
There are no relevant financial relationships
with ineligible companies for those with the ability to control the content of this activity.
Criteria for successful completion includes attendance at the entire event and completion of an evaluation.
This activity is being jointly provided by the Virginia Nurses Association, Virginia Nurses Foundation Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, Postpartum Support Virginia, Virginia Department of Health, and M.
Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health.
Access Your 1.75 Nursing Contact Hours!
Complete the Session 1: Maternal Health Foundational Data continuing education survey below!
Complete the CE Form Here!
Access Your 1.75 Nursing Contact Hours!
he Session 2: Peri/Postnatal Depression & Anxiety continuing education survey below!
Complete the CE Form Here!
Access Your 1.75 Nursing Contact Hours!
Complete the Session 3: Substance Use & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) continuing education survey below!
Complete the CE Form Here!
Access Your 1.75 Nursing Contact Hours!
Complete the Session 4: Pregnancy Loss continuing education survey below!
Complete the CE Form Here!
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to submit a maternal health resource, please reach out to VNA Director of Professional Development Ashley Henry at ahenry@virginianurses.com.
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