Sylvia is a clinical nurse educator who has been with the Women's Health Center/Maternity Unit since 2005. Prior to this, she served for many years in the NICU. For the past three years, she has been dedicated to improving SFMC's exclusive breastfeeding rates and to advancing SFMC on the journey to become a Baby-Friendly designated hospital. Breastfeeding provides important health benefits for newborns, including illness and allergy prevention. Sylvia has worked tirelessly to educate staff about these benefits so that they in turn can educate patients. She has helped to bring about a change in practice at the hospital which supports the health and well-being of moms and babies.

Both patients and nurses describe Sylvia as an extraordinary and energetic teacher, who shows care and sensitivity to every person with whom she interacts. Because of Sylvia's faith, inspiration, and commitment, the Family Life Center team is working together to achieve the Baby-Friendly goals, and SFMC has seen a significant increase in its exclusive breastfeeding rates. As a result, numerous new moms have successfully embraced breastfeeding and are giving their babies the best start in life.

The Family Life Center team is thankful for the compassion, example, and outstanding education that Sylvia provides to nurses and patients, and they are grateful to have her as a mentor and friend.