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 above 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
Janice Campbell, MSN, RN, LCCE, IBCLC, Black Breastfeeding Coalition of New York
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
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