Who We Are
The North Carolina Perinatal Association is a multidisciplinary coalition of clinicians, public health leaders, and community advocates united around a shared commitment to improving perinatal health statewide.
To be North Carolina’s leading force for perinatal health equity, fostering professional excellence, informed advocacy, and meaningful partnerships for maternal and neonatal well-being.
Our mission is to improve perinatal health for childbearing families throughout the state by providing continuing education for perinatal providers across North Carolina and increasing awareness of advocacy issues related to maternal and neonatal health.
Message from the President
"The work happening within NCPA right now is truly exciting. Our are out there every day making a real difference, helping families feel prepared, confident, and supported as they navigate pregnancy, birth and infant care. The dedication and heart that our members bring to this work is what makes NCPA special. Whether you're a longtime member or just joining our organization, you're part of a community that's raising the bar for perinatal education and giving families the evidence-based information they need to make the best choices for themselves. That's powerful work, and I'm honored to be part of where we're headed next."
Venus Standard, MSN, CNM, APRN, FACNM, LCCE
Committees
NCPA’s work is driven by member-led committees that turn ideas into action. From planning programs to strengthening outreach and engagement, these groups offer hands-on opportunities to shape our priorities and impact. Joining a committee is a powerful way to contribute your skills, meet colleagues, and advance perinatal health across North Carolina.
Boards of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and guidance for the North Carolina Perinatal Association. Bringing together diverse experience from clinical care, public health, and community advocacy, these volunteer leaders help set our direction, steward our mission, and ensure our work reflects the needs of birthing people and families across the state.
Perinatal Care Region 1
Chavaun Letman
Sistas Caring 4 Sistas
Amy Hendricks
NC Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program
Perinatal Care Region 2
Melissa Coble
Advocate Health Wake Forest Baptist Department of Pediatrics
Jennifer Check
Advocate Health Wake Forest Baptist Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology
Connie Perry
Nurturing Generations
Sharon Sprinkle
Changent Nurse Family Partnership
LaSonya Tuttle
Forsyth Co Department of Public Health
Perinatal Care Region 3
Betsy Bryant
Advocate Health - Shelby
Perinatal Care Region 4
Venus Standard, President
The Doula Exchange
Sherika HiSmith
WakeMed
Jekisha Elliott
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Benefits
Lori Hubbard
Elon University School of Nursing
Brittany Jones
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services
Rhonda Lanning, Treasurer
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Tara Owens Shuler, Past President
NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health
Perinatal Care Region 5
Kerry Christopher
New Hanover County Health and Human Services

