Our Team
We are a team of mothers, healthcare providers and researchers.
Through a recent study, we were engaged in participant interviews with pregnant and postpartum women in the U.S. during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout that process, we heard a common request—the need for a better standard of perinatal mental health care, one that went beyond traditional risk assessment and mitigation in favor of support and prevention.
Hence, the “Thrive Guide” was born.
As a nurse scientist, I have been leading research studies on women's mental health issues for many years, during which time I have heard the voices of countless women who struggle with the lack of person-centered, easily-accessible mental health resources in our country; as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, my patients trust me with their stories about mental health struggles in their daily lives. All of these stories inspire me to strive toward a vision that all women-children-families can thrive because they have the resources needed to support their wellness in body, mind, and spirit.
Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., WHNP-BC, RN, FAAN
Interim Dean, VCU School of Nursing
As a researcher, mother of two, and long-time friend of Patricia’s, I saw the potential impact something like the Thrive Guide could make, almost immediately, on women’s lives. I had two very different experiences with the births of my two children and I credit much of the difference to preparation; some of which was gained through my experiences with my first child, but most of it could have been acquired even without that experience, especially with something like the Thrive Guide.
Caroline Carrico, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
As a NICU nurse and perinatal mental health advocate, I recognize the multiple levels of physical, physiologic, social, emotional, relational, etc. change that comes with becoming a parent. These professional experiences combined with personal experiences: a parent to three kiddos—two toddlers under age three during the pandemic—I am passionate about optimizing care for moms. The best way to take really good care of babies, even the tiniest babies, is to take really good care of their parents. Parents are the best at holding their babies—so focused on doing the best for their children—let’s hold the mothers.
Sara Moyer, RN
Clinical Research Nurse