2023 Inspiration in Education Award

I smile from ear to ear because I get to share this moment with my women’s health colleagues and my husband. Reg has taught me so much about being an educator. We often nerd out trying to come up with creative ways to teach a topic and engage students. Many times, right before we go to sleep, with his eyes already half closed, I’ll ask for his help. “How do you think we can use an escape room to teach postpartum hemorrhage?” Or “What’s the best way to have students argue an ethical dilemma but with evidence?” He never thinks any of my ideas are silly or not worth the time. He always wants me to think of the students. His best advice: The sage shouldn’t always be on the stage. Listen to your students.

I started teaching back in 2004 while pregnant with Leo and was feeling more energized than ever about maternal health. Almost two decades later, I am as excited as ever to teach students in the classroom and beyond. It gives me so much joy when I see my current and former students flourish and achieve their dreams. This award is dedicated to all of my students— past, present, and future.