Colleen Tarlton is a wife and mommy to the most amazing micro-preemie triplet boys. She has survived infertility, pregnancy losses, birth trauma and an extended NICU stay by drinking wine and laughing at herself. Her coping mantra is, “This is just temporary”. As a survivor of postpartum anxiety, she is still navigating the road to recovery and passionate about sharing her experiences in the hope that it will help another struggling mama. Colleen lives at the Jersey Shore and can be found fumbling her way through life while juggling a husband, 3 toddlers, 2 dogs and a full time job.

Cassady McManus is a wife to a wonderful man that she has been with for 21 years and mother of a beautiful, 23 weeker, micropreemie. In her 12 year quest to conceive she dealt with infertility and pregnancy loss; all leading up to the big surprise of preterm labor, birth trauma, a very long NICU stay, PTSD, and caring for a medically fragile infant. The birth of her daughter moved her from the working world to the multifaceted world of stay at home mom, manager of in home nursing care, medical equipment operator, head chauffeur to therapy and doctor appointments, and medical bill expert. She keeps herself afloat with lots of laughter, plugging in to her resources & community, and focusing on the small steps rather than the whole marathon. She gets so much joy from taken all of the skills she has learned and using them to help and support other mothers navigate life after giving birth to a medically compromised baby.

Melissa Nagel, LCSW, is a graduate of Rutgers University and University of Southern California. Melissa began her career working with Children and families in the Los Angeles area. She later worked as a family psychotherapist at UMDNJ in the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit. After starting a family, and facing many of the challenges unique to our population, Melissa began working at The Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. She brings with her a broad range of experience in family dynamics, anxiety, OCD and depressive disorders. Her approach as a therapist is Strength based, focusing on coping skills and mindfulness.

Cindy Hyman is a licensed clinical social worker who holds a master’s degree in social work from New York University. Since 1997 she has provided individual, group and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults struggling with all life issues, including anxiety, depression, and chronic illness. Through therapy she offers an empathetic approach unique to each client, to help you understand your feelings and needs and get the support you deserve. She will help you discover that you are more than just your symptoms! Cindy has concentrated the last 2 years working primarly with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety patients as well as women and families who have experienced loss during the perinatal period. “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you go; they merely determine where your start.” -Nido Qubein