OUR TEAM
We are here to help you figure out how to feed your baby in a way that works for you. Our highly-trained experts "meet you where you are" to help you find pragmatic solutions to your feeding challenges (and a little humor too, wherever possible).
You can feel confident that our entire Breastfeeding team are IBCLCs - International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants - the highest level of training for breastfeeding support.
In addition to their certification, they have conducted 500+ mandatory hands-on internship hours.
Kristin conleY
RD, ibclc
Lactation Consultant kristin@themamahood.com
Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a Registered Dietitian and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. My early days as a new mom were a humbling rollercoaster ride that shaped my desire to support families on their feeding journeys. It's the sense of community and good humor, coupled with the top-notch breastfeeding support, that make me proud to be part of the mama 'hood's lactation team.
In my free time, you'll find me gardening, practicing yoga, playing tennis, exploring new places with my family, and cheering my kids on in whatever their sport or interest of the moment may be.
Desiree Cornejo
BA, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
dzcornejo@outlook.com
Hi, I’m Desiree! I’m a wife, a mom, and a lover of all things birth and babies. I have a background in Nutrition and Public Health and worked many years counseling families in the WIC program before becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.
I’m happily married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have three beautiful daughters who we can *totally* blame for making me a Lactation Consultant. I love the real "boots on the ground" culture at the mama'hood. Knowing that we can help make a positive impact in families' lives during such a precious and delicate season is what drives me.
In my free time I love taking long walks with my family and sipping on a cup of hot tea with a good book. I hope to meet and serve your family someday soon!
HABLO ESPAÑOL
valana frohardt
pa-c,ibclc
Lactation Consultant
Hello, my name is Valana. I love helping parents and babies breastfeed. As both a Physician Assistant and a Lactation Consultant, I’m uniquely positioned to understand you and your baby from many perspectives. Breastfeeding can be very challenging. We will work together to address the root issues affecting your feeding relationship. I am committed to helping you find practical, sustainable solutions for feeding your baby.
I have two young children who keep me on my toes. I credit my eldest with introducing me to Amanda Ogden, Lactation Consultant extraordinaire and owner of the mama'hood. She helped me successfully breastfeed and sparked my passion for helping other parents do the same. I spent several years learning the art and science of lactation from Amanda Ogden and I became an IBCLC in June 2022. Although the certification makes it official, I have visited over a hundred moms and babies as a home visit medical provider and helped them breastfeed.
Lauren Johnston
ms,RDN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
Hi, I'm Lauren! I graduated from MSU Denver with my Master's in Nutrition & Dietetics and concurrently completed my clinical hours to obtain my IBCLC. My passion for this field blossomed from working in the NICU at Children's Hospital of Colorado, and grew through my education and dietetic internship. I currently work as a Clinical Registered Dietitian at AdventHealth Parker, and help to support families here at the mama’hood! My hope is to help moms and babies achieve optimal nutrition and reach their feeding goals. I have a passion for helping families and hope to make nutrition and lactation support a more accessible resource.
In my free time I love to travel, go to baseball games, and explore the outdoors. I hope to meet some of you and your growing families soon.
Donielle Kennedy
MS, RDN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant | Educator
Hi! I'm Donielle. I'm a Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Food Science and Human Nutrition, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I am passionate about helping nourish both moms and babies, and find it such an honor to be a part of a family's pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding journey. I have worked as a dietitian for over 10 years, and teach nutrition at MSU Denver and Front Range Community College, while also helping guide up-and-coming IBCLCs through MSU Denver's Lactation Certificate Training Program. I am also a mom of two, and have experienced many highs and lows in my own breastfeeding journey. This is why I am a huge advocate for community and support for new parents. We were never meant to go through this alone.
I help teach Breastfeeding Basics, Newborn Care, and Starting Solids at The Mamahood.
In my free time, I love to garden, cook, and spend time with my family.
Dana Levin
MS
Educator
dana@themamahood.com
Hi! I’m Dana Levin. I am thrilled to be affiliated with the mama ’hood for the second year in a row.
I am a former elementary school teacher with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and I just earned my second master’s degree in human nutrition and dietetics. I start work as a dietetic intern at Children’s Hospital in the fall, when I will also be taking the exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Whether it’s working with moms and babies, elementary schoolchildren, or community organizations, I most enjoy creating meaningful relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The most potent parts of my career in education were seeing how food and nutrition affected students’ lives and the training I received in Non-Violent Communication. Knowing the importance of healthy bodies, healthy minds, and healthy hearts is what motivates me to work with children and families as a registered dietitian and IBCLC.
I also love going on adventures with my dog, Kiva, having dinner and game nights with my friends, visiting my 2-year-old niece in Philly (she and I have our own band), and tending to my houseplant collection. I am originally from Milwaukee, WI, but have lived in Colorado for the last 20 years. I feel grateful to live in such a beautiful state while helping families reach their feeding goals.
AMANDA OGDEN
BSN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant | Owner
Adjunct Professor at Metro State University, Lead Clinical Preceptor
Amanda@themamahood.com
2022 CV
Amanda has been practicing as an RN for over 20 years. She was a hospital-based nurse and lactation consultant for 14 years working in Labor and Delivery, Mom-Baby, and Nursery Units. In 2010 she launched a private practice as a lactation consultant. Her most recent project is as a curriculum developer, professor, and preceptor at MSU. Along with Dr. Jennifer Bolton, PhD, RDN, she is creating a Pathway 2 and will apply for certification in 2022.
Amanda has lectured about the breastfeeding dyad at numerous conferences for healthcare professionals. Amanda has been recognized by the International Board of Certified Lactation Examiners as a long-term provider of continuing education hours. Through the mama ‘hood’s intern program Amanda has mentored eighteen aspiring lactation consultants to obtain the prestigious credentials of IBCLC.
Specific areas of expertise include: Basic breastfeeding technique and management, Breastfeeding and multiples, Breastfeeding protocols for Premature infants, Biological Feeding Positions, Skin to Skin Infant Care, Prenatal Breastfeeding Education, Protocols for Maximizing Milk Supply for mother with Prior Breast Surgery; Breast augmentation or Reduction, Re-lactation, Induced Lactation for feeding the Surrogate or Adopted baby, Teenage Parents and Infant Feeding, Breastfeeding the Older Baby, Returning to Work, Infant Tethered Oral Tissues, Weaning, Tandem Nursing, Breastfeeding the Baby with Downs Syndrome, Breastfeeding the baby with a Cleft lip or palate, Normalizing Sleep Patterns for the Breastfed Baby.
Vanessa rincón-abenojar
ms
Administrative Assistant
vanessa@themamahood.com
Hi! My name is Vanessa Rincón-Abenojar, (she/her/ella). I am an aspiring Chicana RDN and IBCLC who recently graduated from MSU Denver’s Master’s, Dietetic Internship, and Lactation Internship programs. Currently, I am an Administrative Assistant here at the mama’hood.
I am originally from San Diego and moved out to Denver in 2020 to earn my master’s. During my undergrad at San Diego State University, my academic path was abruptly changed when I took a nutrition through the life cycles course, and I knew I needed to become a Registered Dietitian. During my journey, It was at the latter end of my master’s program when I was introduced to the lactation world and I realized this is where my passions and skills aligned.
I believe that all individuals have a right to healthful foods and access to supportive resources and that it all begins here, and now.
I don’t have any children of my own at this time, but I am fortunate to have a dog and cat that are my fur babies. In my downtime I enjoy cooking, crocheting, hiking, and movie watching.
HABLO ESPAÑOL
ALISHA WILKINS
IBCLC
Lactation Consultant | Childbirth Educator
alisha@themamahood.com
Hi! My name is Alisha. I studied Sociology & Medical Anthropology at Eastern Michigan University. I was trained as a birth doula by DONA and as a Childbirth Educator by ICCE. My years of experience working in hospitals fueled my desire to put the care back in healthcare.
At the mama’hood I teach Newborn Care, Childbirth Ed, Pumping/Back to Work, Starting Solids, The Fourth Trimester, & more.
I also facilitate Prenatal Support Group & New Mamas Group, both of which focus on creating community, connection, & empowerment.
It is my passion for maternal wellness that drew me to my work at the mama’hood. It is my goal to not just promote what the books say, but support families in the reality. I meet every family where they are in their journey and strive to help them achieve their unique wellness goals.
In my free time I love to be in the outdoors camping, gardening, eating, & reading.