I have been very fortunate to work alongside Amy for years, and I have always admired her skill, compassion, and ability to be a calming presence during an emergency. But I gained an entirely new level of appreciation for her when she came in on her day off to be my nurse while I was in labor.

It is one thing to witness someone provide incredible care to others; it is another to experience that care firsthand. She was there to encourage me and helped keep me in a positive demeanor. I can remember her doing lunges with me in the hallways when I was in early labor. I will never forget how I thought I couldn't do it, and Amy had a "come to Jesus" moment with me. She encouraged me, centered me, and helped me find the strength to bring my daughter into the world.

I was worried about being on the patient side and that I would be thinking my entire labor clinically and not be present as a patient/new mom. Amy made it possible for me to forget all the clinical aspects of the labor and delivery and just be present. I remember thinking I would have to watch my fetal strip and interrupt it myself but with Amy there I never once worried about my fetal tracing. She made me feel comforted, safe, and cared for.

After everything she did, she still thought to grab my phone and take photos. She gave me the most precious gift: memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am beyond grateful for the exceptional care I received and the vital role Amy played in my birth story.