The NYSBC is an organization made up of lactation consultants, health care providers, regional breastfeeding coaltions and the major statewide maternal and child health organizations.

Mission Statement

The mission of the NYSBC is to improve the health of New Yorkers by working collaboratively to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding as the norm in New York State.

Vision Statement

In New York State, breastfeeding is supported in all environments to promote optimal health and development.

Equity Statement

To view the NYSBC Equity Statement, click link.

Board of Directors

Chairperson

Karen Hylton-McGuire PhD, RNC-NIC, IBCLC; Lactation Educator NYU Winthrop Hospital

Immediate Past-Chair

Susan Vierczhalek MD, FAAP, IBCLC; NYS American Academy of Pediatrics

Vice Chair

Barbara Dennison, MD; NYS Department of Health

Corresponding Secretary

Stephanie Sosnowski, BS, ICCE, IBCLC; Coordinator, Mid-Hudson Lactation Consortium

Recording Secretary

Ann Marie Paraszczuk, EdD, RNC, IBCLC; Molloy College

Treasurer

Lorelei Michels, DO, FABM

Public Policy Committee Chair

Theresa Landau, MS, RDN, CDN; Chair, New York City Breastfeeding Leadership Council

Other Board Members

Adrian Allen, RDN, CLC; NYS Department of Health, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator

Mary Applegate, MD, MPH; Clinical Professor, University of Albany School of Public Health

Julia Block, MD, FAAP

Lorraine Boyd, MD, MPH

Camille Clare, MD, MPH, CPE, FACOG; American College of Obstetricians and             

Gynecologists

Mary K. Comtois, Director of Health Initiatives, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County

Christie Finch, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network; South Central Breastfeeding Coalitions

Deborah J. Gregg, MPH, RDN, CDN, CLC

      Johanna Hagelthorn, BS, RNC, IBCLC, CCE; Breastfeeding Initiative of Ulster County

Patty Lane, IBCLC; La Leche League

Melissa Lawlor, MSN, CNM, IBCLC; Dutchess County Breastfeeding Coalition

Ruth Lawrence, MD, FAAP, FAACT

Sharon Marshall Taylor, CPH, CLC; Brooklyn Breastfeeding Empowerment Zone 

Roseanne Motti, BA, MFA, CLC; Director of Operations, New York Milk Bank

C. Melissa Morelli-Walsh, PhD(c), LM, RN, IBCLC; NYS Association of Licensed Midwives

Brooke Pate, MSEd, CLC; Director of Maternal & Infant Heatlh, North Country Prenatal/

Perinatal Council

Laura Staff, MD; NYS Academy of Family Physicians

Holly Widanka, MS, CLC; Rochester Regional Breastfeeding Coalition

Brittany Wright, MPH, CHES, CLC; New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene