MEET OUR OWNER

After my oldest child was born, we struggled with breastfeeding. I had not prepared, but assumed I’d be okay since my mom had been successful. That was a terrible assumption. My journey nursing my son led to a passion to educate and help other families in their own infant feeding journey.

With over 4 years of personal breastfeeding experience, ultimately leading me to become an IBCLC, I know the real life ins and outs of feeding a baby. From the first days, to being a working, pumping mom, to weaning and everything in between, I’m passionate about it because I’ve lived it. My passion for lactation led me to opening Nurture Lactation in 2019, initially focusing on education, then individual consults.

In addition to being an IBCLC, I hold a Bachelor’s in Organizational Communications and Spanish from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. Yes, that means I speak Spanish as well! I continue to build my lactation education through various training and continuing education so that I may serve families with the most updated evidence-based research. I share knowledge and information so that you can make the best informed decision for your family’s needs.

Sarah Hartenberger, IBCLC

Meet Our Nurture Lactation Team!

Morgan Shippy, RN, IBCLC

In 2017, I graduated nursing school with anticipation and excitement to start my career as an RN in Labor/Delivery/Mother/Baby. I loved being present with laboring mothers, and observing and assisting in births. During this time, I found myself truly enjoying those nights on the postpartum unit helping nursing mothers breastfeed. Between this experience and the very difficult experience of breastfeeding and later exclusively pumping for my daughter, I decided I wanted to pursue the IBCLC certification. I feel incredibly blessed that I have the privilege of getting to help moms in this time of their lives!

Sarah Jane (SJ) Pearson, IBCLC

In 2015, I graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. I always knew that healthcare was my passion but wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go. I always believed in the importance of wholistic, preventative health. When I was pregnant with my son, then after he was born, I felt empowered by what my body was capable of achieving. As I spoke with other parents, I found that their experiences weren’t as triumphant. They felt discouraged, critiqued, and confused by breastfeeding/infant feeding experiences and information given. I felt like families deserved better. I decided to become an IBCLC to empower parents to have the best infant feeding experience of their choice though evidence-based practice and information.

Amanda Casey, IBCLC

I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2014, the same year I had my first baby. After experiencing a challenging start to breastfeeding, I became involved with La Leche League and, long story short, pivoted career paths. I worked with Welcome Baby KC as a postpartum doula and lactation educator from 2016 to 2023, nurturing new parents as they nurtured their new baby. I loved every moment. It was beautiful, important work that led me here to you today.

I earned my IBCLC in 2024, and I’m honored to provide breastfeeding support at Centerpoint Medical Center and Nurture Lactation. I very much look forward to walking alongside you and your family during this important time in your life. In and outside of work, I am an unabashed nerd. I spend my downtime reading, playing DND with my family, making music, fanning the flames of my wanderlust, experiencing the chaotic beauty of my native garden, chugging coffee with my bestie, and generally soaking up every drop of joy I can in my life.

Elizabeth Oyler, BSN, RN, IBCLC

I recently moved to the Kansas City area from Little Rock, Arkansas, where I worked for the last seven years as a lactation consultant, in both the hospital and outpatient care setting. In addition to two very different breastfeeding experiences with my boys, I bring 15 years of experience as a registered nurse to my clients, with experience in mother-baby and NICU. Through my experiences, I quickly found my true passion in the education and empowerment of breastfeeding mothers.

I recognize that every family’s breastfeeding journey is a unique and individual one, and I am committed to helping each client achieve their goals by tailoring care to meet their needs. Through an empathetic and nurturing approach, my role as an IBCLC will always be one of guidance, support and education.

I earned a B.S. in Health Education from the University of Arkansas (2008) and B.S.N. from the University of Missouri (2010). I have also served as a childbirth and prenatal class instructor, staff educator, and have extensive work in hospital quality and community health initiatives. When I’m not discussing all things breastfeeding, I look forward to exploring KC with my husband and two boys.

Emily Wegner, BSN, RN, IBCLC, CMSRN

Emily is a dedicated nurse since 2005, a mother of three with personal breastfeeding experience for almost 7 years. As an IBCLC, she empowers mothers to make informed feeding decisions, fostering confidence and empowerment. Emily’s commitment to maternal and child health enriches families in the KC metro and Northland area, showcasing her dedication to making a positive difference.

Samantha Craig, Office Manager

Hi, I’m Sam! I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and we just celebrated 12 wonderful years together. We live in Oak Grove with our three beautiful children.

My passion lies in building community—both personally and professionally. I love the empowering connections found in sisterhood, motherhood, and the shared experience of being a woman. I’m so excited for this opportunity and look forward to serving our amazing community.