Christina, First-Time Mom
Becoming a mom felt overwhelming from the start. My daughter had medical needs, including a brain bleed, that required frequent appointments, and as I learned how to care for her, I also faced the reality that her health insurance would end just weeks after she was born. I showed up to every visit anyway, even as the bills mounted, because missing an appointment was not an option.
I was exhausted and scared, but I kept going.
That’s when I met Shadonae, a HealthySteps Specialist at our pediatric clinic, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. She took time to listen, not just to my questions about my daughter, but to how I was holding up. When I shared my worries about insurance and support, she did not rush me or make me feel behind. She told me we would figure it out together.
With Shadonae’s help, I applied for health coverage through Medicaid, nutrition assistance through WIC and SNAP, and found other resources I did not know were available. She also helped me understand my daughter’s development and reminded me to celebrate small milestones instead of focusing only on what felt uncertain.
Over time, I felt more confident, not because things were suddenly easy, but because I was no longer alone.
Shadonae, HealthySteps Specialist
My role is to walk alongside families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Christina showed up for her daughter every day, even when it was hard, and that consistency built trust between us.
HealthySteps is about meeting families where they are and offering steady support, one conversation at a time. Sometimes that means helping with resources, and sometimes it simply means being present and following through.
Seeing Christina grow more confident as a parent reminded me why this work matters. When parents feel supported, they can focus on what matters most: caring for their child and believing in themselves.
From Support to Shared Advocacy
In 2025, Christina and her daughter represented New Jersey at ZERO TO THREE’s annual Strolling Thunder advocacy event. Every participant is allowed to invite someone to come with them, and out of everyone, Christina asked Shadonae.
Together, they visited Congress to advocate for policies that support babies and their families!
