Leigh Askew

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Leigh Askew, RN

I have been a nurse for almost 7 years.  The majority of my work experience has been in labor and delivery.  I have also  worked on an ante-partum unit.  I am certified in in-patient obstetric nursing.  I recently completed the lactation consultant training course offered through the Inova Learning Network and am pursuing lactation consultant certification.

I recently moved to the Northern Virginia area from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  I have loved exploring the area and am getting used to the busy pace of life.  I have one daughter, Natalie, who is two.  She is so much fun and keeps me busy!  I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and playing outside.

I am excited about the opportunity to educate and encourage moms throughout their pregnancy and breastfeeding experience.

Johanna Ellwood

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Johanna Ellwood, RN

I am a registered nurse with over 12 years of experience in women’s health. I am a senior nurse on the High Risk Perinatal Unit at Inova Fairfax Hospital caring for mothers with complicated pregnancies. I love being able to assist and support mothers, families, and babies(!) through sometimes difficult and anxious times with the end goal of a happy, healthy baby.

I previously worked in women’s cancer. I developed a hospital-based breast cancer center in Connecticut, then moved to Northern Virginia to start the breast cancer patient navigator program at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

I have two young sons, William and Benjamin. Establishing breastfeeding with my first son was very difficult, and I am so thankful for the help and support I received from a hospital-recommended lactation consultant. I was also an Inova BabyNET participant during the pregnancy of my second son and was grateful for the information and support I received in a new city.

I look forward to educating and assisting mothers and families during their pregnancy and newborn experience.

Jane Fletcher

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Jane Fletcher RN

I have been a Registered Nurse for more than 12 years. The majority of my work experience has been working with Moms and Babies. I worked for 3 years in the Newborn Nursery and on Mother-Baby unit and the last 6 years on Labor and Delivery. I am certified in In-patient Obstetrical Nursing. I have three great children of my own. All boys! (Charlie-11, Sam-9, and Jack-3).

After living in sunny California for 12 years, we recently moved back to Northern Virginia last year. Although I miss the beach (who wouldn't?), I really enjoy this area and all the history it has to offer. In my free time I enjoy photography, going to the beach, and exploring new places. My kids keep me very busy, of course. I love being a Mom and wouldn't trade it for the world!

The miracle of life never ceases to amaze me. I am excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience and am looking forward to helping to guide women through a healthy pregnancy experience.

Jenny Gibbons

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Jennifer Gibbons, OBGYN NP

I have been a registered nurse for 22 years. After working in a hospital setting for 2 years, I obtained my Master’s degree as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania. I have enjoyed 20 years of taking care of women from adolescence through menopause. I have found particular satisfaction in helping women during pregnancy. There are so many things to know about (and worry about) during this time! I love being able to help women understand the changes they go through and guide them to make healthy choices during pregnancy. After all, a healthy mom and healthy baby are what it’s all about!

I have lived in Northern Virginia for 16 years, moving here from Pennsylvania. I have a wonderful husband, and 2 children, ages 10 and 12 who keep me busy. In my spare time, I study karate with my kids. We have all achieved green belt and black belt is only a few years away!

I am very pleased to continue supporting women and their families through InovaBabyNET.

Beckie Hallinger

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Rebecca "Beckie" Hallinger, RN

I’ve been a nurse for almost 25 years in the OB field as a visiting nurse and working in a pediatrician’s office. I teach childbirth, breastfeeding and infant skills classes.

I have three children. In my spare time (right!) I enjoy knitting, hiking and cooking. I also volunteer every year on a medical mission to the Honduras.

I truly enjoy working with women in this stage of their life. It’s a very exciting and joyous time.

Susie Hanrahan

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Susan M. Hanrahan RN, BSN, LCCE

 

I began working as an RN in OB GYN and Pediatrics in a hospital in Florida then for an OB practice in Virginia Beach and have been employed with Inova Childbirth Education since 1990.  I have been teaching expectant parents in childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and baby care classes as a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and have been an RN facilitator for the Inova New Moms groups. 

 

My husband is a retired naval aviator and is currently working in the defense industry.  We have 3 boys—two in college and one, a sophomore in high school.  

 

I enjoy working with expectant couples—providing information to help them make informed choices for a positive labor and delivery experience.  I look forward to working with you as part of the Inova BabyNET program!

Karen Stanzo

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Karen Stanzo RN, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), LCCE (Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator)

I have been a nurse for almost 6 years. My areas of practice have included postpartum, newborn nursery and labor and delivery. I have also taught a variety of childbirth and parenting classes, including Lamaze, baby care, breastfeeding, sibling tours and the weekly New Moms' Breastfeeding Group at Fairfax Hospital.

I have two children, Sophie, age 4 and Ava, age 2. I love to knit and read grown-up books in between a seemingly endless cycle of Goodnight Moon, Chutes and Ladders and snack time.

I believe that both birth and breastfeeding are normal. Not only are they things to be endured, but they actually have the power to be transforming. Just as running a marathon or climbing Mt. Everest can be physical feats that give confidence and new-found perspective the rest of a person's life, a new mom can take power and confidence from her childbirth experience that can last long past the day of labor.