• About Us

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

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