Opening remarks from the Executive Director of Black Girl Health Foundation
This workshop is designed to provide mothers with a variety of fitness and exercise tools that will guide them through pregnancy and beyond. Exercising throughout your pregnancy has so many benefits for you and your growing baby, such as better sleep, decreased discomfort, improved self-image, reduced stress and preparation for childbirth. Regular exercise after pregnancy can promote weight loss, relieve stress, boost your mood and restore muscle strength. In addition, exercise habits established at the beginning of motherhood can last a lifetime and provide profound benefits for the mother, baby and other family.s
From conception to labor and delivery, and beyond this workshop helps women explore all aspects of pregnancy and provides resources and planning tools that can assist them with different ways to approach pregnancy and motherhood that is the best fit for them as an individual.
Learn creative and practical strategies to get support with overcoming and preventing feelings of burnout!
This workshop is designed to help expectant mothers and new mothers explore their journey with releasing weight; restoring a healthy gut microbiome, creating sustainable healthy eating habits, healthy eating when breastfeeding, staying actively fit, gaining confidence, and creating a balanced lifestyle in all aspects of their busy lives.
Dr. La'Tesha Sampson is the founder and president of Great Joy Counseling and Consulting Services, a dynamic mental health agency in various states, Great Joy Communuty Development Corporation,a 501c3 non-profit agency aimed to eradicate mental health disparities for BIPOC people, and Real Melanin Monroe, a Vegan cruelty free skincare line. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author, corporate and non-profit trainer, media personality, and serial entrepreneur. She has facilitated trainings and workshops for over 250 companies. She has been featured in the New York Times, NBC News 4, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, MTV and The Washington Post. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Master's degree in b Public Administration, Master's degree in Social Work ,a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling and Psychology and is currently completing her second doctorate in Social Work.
Priscilla Loomis is a South Jersey Native and current Wildwood, NJ resident. She received a full athletic track and field scholarship to St. John’s University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Television & Film. Priscilla is a Track and Field Olympian, Entrepreneur and Nonprofit Founder of the “Priscilla E Frederick Foundation”, supporting single parent households and awarding scholarships to students coming from single parent households. She runs three successful businesses, is a 3 X hall of fame inductee, 2 X female athlete of the year recipient, National Record Holder, National Champion and World Class Medalist! Partnering with organizations such as Airbnb, PUMA, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as features in the New York Times, CNN, BBC, ESPN, National Geographic, & most recently Disney +, Priscilla is a public figure with 10 years of experience in athletics and public speaking. Priscilla Loomis is a failure & fighter, leader and ally, promoting positive energy, gratitude, love of self and being the rising tide that lifts all ships!
Chesney Blue is a nationally known, award winning Registered Dietitian Nutritionist working in the food & nutrition industry for over 15 years. She is a past president of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest organization for food and nutrition professionals in the state of NJ and co-owner of Blue Counseling and Wellness Center in Montclair, NJ, a nutrition and mental health private practice. Chesney has worked in a variety of community, clinical and outpatient settings. As a dietitian at local health organizations in the NJ/NYC metro area, she has gained knowledge and experience communicating nutrition education and program planning effectively to a diverse population across the lifespan along with advocating for nutrition programs and legislation throughout the state and nation. Chesney has been awarded the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year and the East Orange Rotary Club Community Service Health & Wellness Award. In addition, Chesney is heavily involved in her community, serving as a volunteer and leader in a variety of community-based organizations which includes being the wellness coordinator for the Body and Soul Wellness Program at Park Avenue Christian Church, board member of MEND Hunger Relief Network and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Psi Omega Chapter. Chesney received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University in Washington, DC and completed her dietetic internship and master’s in public health degree with a concentration in urban health administration from Rutgers University
Jaclyn Headlam is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey with 15 years of experience in the non-profit and public education sector. Jaclyn is known for her passion to help, advocate, and share information with those in her work and personal life. With a zeal for helping others, Jaclyn has spent the last ten years working in the counseling field to assist her clients by fostering a safe, warm, non-judgmental environment that enables the client to feel empowered and supported in their journey towards healing and achieving their goals. Jaclyn uses a strength-based, client-centered, collaborative, and holistic approach that considers the mind, body, spirit and worldview of her client and their family. She specializes in working with a myriad of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, adolescent development, transition issues, attachment, and family systems. Jaclyn views the therapeutic relationship as an opportunity to help the client grow in all aspects of their life and reframe their thinking towards daily successes. Jaclyn also serves her community through numerous volunteer efforts. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. A Members of Color Influencer for the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). She also serves on the NJEA Resolutions team and was recently elected to serve as the National Education Association’s Northeast Regional Director for the Black Caucus. TRAINING/EDUCATION Jaclyn earned both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Education degree in Counseling from Kean University. She also attended Rutgers University to complete her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate..
My Name is Natalia. I am a Mother, Birth/Postpartum Doula, Pre-Med Student, and owner of Mother Nut Doula Services who addresses Health Disparities in the black and brown communities. Every birth of a child symbolizes the rebirth of their birthing person. Mother Nut symbolizes a spiritual goddess who represents the sacred universal womb and sky. My intentions are not only to provide physical, mental, and emotional support to the birthing person, their support person, and baby through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum but to support the birthing person's womb physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My approach to birthwork is to treat the birthing person from head to toe holistically using guided meditation, herbs, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, plant-based supplements, and implementing a plant-based diet. My interest in medicine developed as a child following witnessing multiple family members transition. I knew I wanted to hold a space in healthcare especially for people who look like me. In my early twenties, I experienced various health issues such as Lupus, Miscarriages, and etc. I still managed to find my space in healthcare. From 2012 to 2020, I worked as a Medical Assistant in various specialties but OBGYN gravitated to me the most. As a wombman, Sacred Woman, Daughter, Mother, Sistar, Friend, and Student, I am passionate about creating a sacred space and creating a fearless atmosphere for the birthing person by providing endless education of the Pros and Cons while also; encouraging the importance of knowing your options and creating multiple plans for each and every phase of your life.
Take control of your mental and physical health as a mother in these unprecedented times.