Meet Our Educators
Melissa is a R.N. in the Childbirth Unit, a breastfeeding educator at Memorial Hospital and a high school instructor for the Medical Magnet program through the South Bend Schools. Melissa also stays busy with her four children and two cats, Boots and Fiona. In her down time she loves to read and cook Italian food. Melissa grew up in Niles and attended nursing school at Indiana University South Bend. Melissa, who is certified in inpatient obstetrics, enjoys teaching breastfeeding classes because she wants to give women confidence in their natural ability to feed and grow their babies.
Dana, a R.N. in the Childbirth Unit, received her nursing degree from Indiana University. A mother of two children, Dana loves teaching childbirth classes at Memorial, but she didn't always love public speaking. Growing up, she was always nervous when giving speeches and presentations in school. Dana never thought she would speak in front of a class again, but her passion for patient education drew her into childbirth education. She also enjoys going to the beach, boating and playing Bunco.
Originally from England, Michelle is a R.N. in the Childbirth Unit. A graduate of Ivy Tech Community College, she has worked at Memorial Hospital since 2006. Her dream to become a labor/delivery nurse at Memorial came true after much hard work and dedication. Michelle’s goal is to make every woman/support person feel special and confident about their labor and birth experience. Married with four children, three boys and a girl, her kids and their interests have been her hobby for many years. When able, she enjoys horseback riding, reading a great love story and traveling. Michelle is currently working on her bucket list.
Gemma, LPN, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and Certified Lactation Specialist, is a breastfeeding educator. She also serves as Assistant OB Coordinator at Memorial’s Family Medicine Residency Clinic, a position she has held for the last eight years. A licensed practical nurse since 1980, she graduated from Arlington Memorial Hospital School of Vocational Nursing in Texas. Gemma has worked in a variety of nursing jobs, including childbirth unit, mother baby, pediatrics and family practice. A member of the St. Joseph County Breastfeeding Coalition, she is passionate about teaching how women are wonderfully created to give birth and to feed their babies. Gemma is married with three grown children and four grandkids (so far). She enjoys family time, travel and theater.
Mary, a certified R.N., has worked as a labor/delivery and mother/baby nurse since 2003. She is certified in inpatient obstetrics nursing and is excited to be teaching. Her goal is to educate moms and dads in a professional yet fun environment to alleviate any stress or fear they may have about having a baby. Born and raised in South Bend, Mary is married with two children, a boy and a girl. She and her husband are busy with their extracurricular activities and enjoy traveling to all-star cheerleading competitions and hockey games. Mary also enjoys getting together with friends, or losing herself in a good book.
Amy is a R.N. certified in inpatient obstetrics. She received her nursing degree from Ivy Tech Community College in 2007. Amy has experience in newborn nursery, labor and delivery and postpartum. She joined Memorial Hospital's Childbirth Unit in January 2011. She enjoys teaching and sharing in the excitement a new baby brings. Childbirth is a memory one will never forget and she strives to make it an exceptional experience for all. Amy, who is married with two daughters, loves spending time with her family and many nieces and nephews! In her spare time, Amy volunteers as an EMT with her town's ambulance service.