Meet Our New Nurse: Caring for Mothers, Babies, and Families

We are excited to introduce Michelle, the newest member of The Crossing’s Medical Clinic team. Her journey to nursing, and ultimately to The Crossing, is one that she describes as a series of unexpected turns that God used to lead her exactly where she is today.

When she began college, Michelle thought she would become a doctor. She completed biology and pre-med coursework, but during her senior year, her mother passed away. The experience caused her to step away from the idea of a career in medicine. After college, she found work as a companion and home care aide, having already spent time working in group homes and caring for others.

Eventually, she realized that caring for people was where she was meant to be. She returned to school to become a nurse. One of the people who influenced that decision was a cancer nurse who had cared for her mother. She admired the compassion and care that nurse had shown her mother and wanted to offer that same kind of care to others.

Her path to The Crossing was just as unexpected.

“I believe it was a divine appointment that led me to become aware of the job opening,” she shares. “When I visited The Crossing for the first time, I immediately felt at home.”

She has always carried a desire to empower women and help children and families become strong and healthy. At The Crossing, she sees an opportunity to live out that calling every day.

For Michelle, providing life-affirming care means caring for both the woman and her unborn child.

“I find it a privilege to care for all life, both the woman and the unborn child,” she says. Her faith is central to her life and to the way she approaches her work. “The Crossing allows me to be the hands and feet of God in supporting every woman He places in my care to make her own decision with all the information and truth she can get.”

Her hope is that everyone who walks through The Crossing’s doors, whether a woman, man, or child, feels heard, seen, respected, valued, and loved.

“I want them to feel safe and cared for and like they belong here.”

One of the most meaningful parts of her role is being present when a mother or father sees their baby on an ultrasound for the first time.

“Words cannot express how much joy it brings me to see a woman ‘see’ her baby for the first time, or even the fourth time,” she says. “I know that the moment is so valuable to a mom or dad, and having the privilege to share that moment with them is so humbling. I am grateful.”

Her own experience as a mother also shapes the way she cares for the families who come to The Crossing. She is the mother of an amazing young woman and understands both the joys and challenges that come with motherhood. She also knows the pain of pregnancy loss, having experienced miscarriage before the birth of her daughter, who she calls her “rainbow child.”

Because of these experiences, she understands that pregnancy can bring a wide range of emotions. There can be joy and excitement, but also uncertainty, fear, and questions: Will my baby be healthy? Will I be a good mom?

“Hope is the one thing that each mother needs during pregnancy,” she says. “Whatever support I can offer is my way to give back to those who have helped me thus far on my journey.”

We are grateful to have Michelle serving at The Crossing and bringing her experience, compassion, faith, and heart for mothers and families to our Medical Clinic. And we are especially grateful for friends like the Knights of Columbus who help make it possible for The Crossing to offer this care to women, babies, and families in our community.