Qualifications & Training: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics (Human Nutrition)
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
• Oral function, assessment, and comprehensive care for the pre-crawling infant
• Infant feeding: the baby led way (solid feeding)
• Tummy Time Method
• Herbs and Lactation
• Trained birth and postpartum doula
• Low Milk Supply Specialized Healthcare Professional

Katie began her journey by attending the University of Arkansas where she completed her bachelor’s degree in dietetics (nutrition). The idea of preventing disease, treating disease, and nourishing the body simply by what we put in our mouths captivated her. Shortly after she graduated, she started working in the NICU at Washington Regional Medical Center in the nutrition department where she found herself specifically drawn to infant feeding. Providing quality care to families in this transitional time of life was the beginning of what has brought her much joy. This led her to pursue becoming a board certified lactation consultant, at which she completed in June of 2018. She obtained all of her clinical experience in the NICU, postpartum unit, and in outpatient, where she gained critical knowledge to be able to help with feeding difficulty in a variety of situations. She spent the first 2 years of her career working in the NICU and on labor & delivery/postpartum for Northwest Hospital in Bentonville. This is where she gained a very solid base of knowledge to be able to help the mother/baby dyad from birth to 48 hours old.

And then… she had her own baby. And as much as she loved it before, she gained a new appreciation for how dedicated moms are. She also realized how hard it can be and how much conflicting information is available to moms. Even going into postpartum with the knowledge she had in the field of lactation, she still struggled. And this is exactly why she does what she does. She began to start working on the launch of Arkansas Lactation, seeing her first mother in her home in 2018. She want moms to have the best care, which includes clear, evidence based information combined with steady encouragement and reassurance. Mamas and babies are her sweet spot, and she would love nothing more than to join you on your breastfeeding journey.

Katie currently lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with her husband Kyle, her sons, Jett & Maverik, her daughter, Annie, and their 120 pound Rottweiler, Zeke. She runs Arkansas Lactation full time, working part time in their peaceful clinic and part of the time in the comfort of patients homes! When she’s not talking milk and babies, you can find her with family, outdoors, working out, and almost always cooking!

Katie is passionate about family rhythms, discipleship, and youth. She has spent several years traveling the country and hosting leadership classes for youth. Katie and her husband Ben live in Northwest Arkansas where they enjoy the liveliness of the culture and scenery. Accompanied by their Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler, Katie and her husband enjoy weekend trips, finding the best coffee shops in town, and photography. 

When Katie is not working with Arkansas Lactation, you can find her practicing Real Estate. Katie is an experienced communicator who deeply values excellence and organization. With family and youth being of utmost importance to Katie, she cherishes her work with Arkansas Lactation and finds joy in playing a role in helping mothers meet their feeding goals.

Madie is passionate about family, health and wellness, caring for babies, and traveling. She grew up in Fayetteville and has zero plans of leaving; it really is the best little town. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2024 with a degree in Psychology. Outside of the academic setting, you can find her caring for children! She has nannied kids for 5+ years and has developed a true love for nurturing and aiding children in their physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. She looks forward to continuing her work in caring for the needs of children and their mothers through her role at Arkansas Lactation!

Qualifications and Training

• Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Master’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology
• Licensed Speech Language Pathologist
• Introduction to Breastfeeding for the Lactation-Informed Therapist
• Infant Development for Better Breastfeeding
• Torticollis, Tongue Tie, and Infant Feeding
• Supporting Oral Motor Skills in the Infant: Assessment, Adaptation, and Remediation
• Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding, and the Lactation Savvy Therapist

Jess began her professional journey attending Missouri State University where she earned a bachelor’s of science in communication disorders with an emphasis on speech language pathology. She then went on to obtain a master’s of science in speech language pathology at the University of Central Arkansas.

Jess has been working with infants and infant feeding in the early intervention setting for the last several years, but really found her passion for supporting families through their feeding journeys when she had her first child. She started as a patient of Arkansas Lactation when she was having breastfeeding difficulties. That experience fueled her interest in breastfeeding and how a speech pathologist can help support all types of feeding journeys. She is passionate about supporting families and setting infants up for success.

Jess currently lives in Rogers with her husband, Jared, her son, Theo, and her sweet puppy Juno. She enjoys exploring Northwest Arkansas and all it has to offer with her family. When she is not working with wonderful families, you can find her at a park, farmers markets, local restaurants or exploring local shops. When not chasing her toddler she also enjoys knitting and reading.

Qualifications and Training

• Bachelor of Science in Anatomy/Physiology and Psychology
• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
• Licensed Occupational Therapist
• NDTA Contemporary Practice Model for Infants and Toddlers
• Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention
• Infant Development for Better Breastfeeding
• Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding: Hands-on Modalities to Improve Feeding Readiness and Outcomes
• Introduction to Breastfeeding for the Lactation-Informed Therapist
• Supporting Oral Motor Skills in the Infant: Assessment, Adaptation, and Remediation
• Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding, and the Lactation Savvy Therapist

Drew began her professional journey attending Brigham Young University-Idaho where she received a bachelor of science in University Studies with a double emphasis in Anatomy/Physiology and Psychology. She then relocated to Texas and obtained a master of science in Occupational Therapy from The University of Texas-Medical Branch (UTMB). During her time at UTMB, she gained valuable experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as well as developed a therapy program for a nonprofit daycare consisting of a sensory gym, evaluation and treatment protocols, and parental education.

Drew has worked in the pediatric setting for the last several years and found her passion in working with the mother/baby dyad. After having a child of her own with bodywork/feeding difficulties, Drew became a patient at Arkansas Lactation which fueled her desire further to help infants with developmental difficulties and feeding concerns. She enjoys educating parents and giving them the tools necessary to relieve the stress associated with parental difficulties to focus their energy on bonding with their baby.

Drew grew up in Northwest Arkansas and currently resides in Rogers with her husband, daughter, and two mini Australian shepherds. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring local restaurants/shops/farmers markets. In the summer, you will find her kayaking on one of Arkansas’s beautiful bodies of water, and in the fall, you will hear her calling the Hogs on The Hill.

Qualifications and Training

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

I began my journey into the mother baby world as a registered nurse. Quickly thereafter, I joined a growing Pediatric office and helped to build South Carolina’s first Breastfeeding Center in 2015. It was through that work that I became an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, finishing my credentialing in October of 2015. I spent the next several years working as a labor and delivery nurse in both a birth center and on a high-risk L&D floor at UNC’s Women’s Hospital. Since moving to Arkansas in 2019, I have dedicated myself entirely to breastfeeding work by teaching prenatal breastfeeding classes and providing in-home lactation support to moms.

When I started my journey working in the field of lactation, I was pregnant with my first. Since then, I have gone through three of my own breastfeeding experiences and each ended up being different in their own way. Through those personal experiences I have learned a lot, and it has proven to me that a mom’s experience with each baby is unique. Because of my own breastfeeding experiences, and working within a variety of communities in different settings, I am driven to provide all moms I come in contact with the support and knowledge they need to meet their breastfeeding goals.

I currently live in Bentonville, Arkansas with my husband Sean, our 4 kiddos. I work full time with Arkansas Lactation, teaching classes and providing in home support to moms. I also lead a breastfeeding support group in Bentonville. When I am not working, I love exploring all the hiking and biking trails in NW Arkansas with my family, watching sports, and spending time creating photo albums of our family adventures.

Qualifications & Training

• Doctor of Nursing Practice degree
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
• Infant Food Allergies
• Introduction of Solid Foods

Ashley began her professional journey by attending the University of Florida where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She worked as a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. She went on to complete her Doctorate degree at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and practiced as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Ashley began quickly obtaining lactation experience while serving her most vulnerable infant population in the primary care setting. Ashley found a passion for supporting mothers and babies during their lactation journey and wanted to provide them the best care possible. Ashley trained at Metropolitan Breastfeeding in Bethesda, Maryland and obtained her IBCLC.

Ashley has enjoyed helping families and maintaining relationships with her patients and clients. She supports their individualized goals and understands the importance of providing clear guidance for both mother and baby. Ashley recognizes every baby and mother are different and finding what works best for them is most important.

Ashley now lives in Bentonville with her family. When she’s not providing family-centered care, she loves spending time with her own family, exploring new places, and cooking new meals.

Qualifications & Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science
• Registered and Licensed Dietitian
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
• Maternal Diet for Food Allergies
• Infant Food Allergies
• Introduction of Solid Foods

Mallori began her professional journey by attending the University of Arkansas where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. She went on to complete her Master’s degree and Dietetic Internship through Auburn University.

After graduation, Mallori began working in Memphis, TN as a pediatric Dietitian. Working primarily with NICU graduates, infants and toddlers, Mallori began quickly obtaining lactation experience while serving the youngest population and assisting with their feeding journey. Mallori fell in love with educating and supporting Moms with lactation.

Mallori is passionate about individualized care.  She loves to encourage and empower moms to make decisions that are best for their own family. Each and every child and family is so different and it’s important to address them as such. Whether working on a latch and addressing weight gain issues, learning to introduce a pump or weaning a child from breastfeeding, Mallori loves to help each mom reach their own lactation goals.

Mallori lives in Bentonville with her husband, Zach, daughter, Hadley, son, Nolan, and dog, Moose. While not helping families feed their babies, she loves time with her family, exercising, trying new restaurants and traveling.

Qualifications & Training:

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
• Low Milk Supply Specialized Healthcare Professional

Virginia, a dedicated professional from southern Louisiana, graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2011. With a passion for empowering mothers and promoting the benefits of breastfeeding, she discovered her dream job of being an IBCLC.

In 2015, Virginia married her best friend, and their family grew with the arrival of two beautiful daughters, the youngest born amidst the challenges of the pandemic in March 2020. Recently, they relocated to Northwest Arkansas, captivated by the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Bella Vista during a vacation in summer of 2021.

Now, Virginia is living her dream job as she works diligently at Arkansas Lactation, helping mothers gain confidence and achieve their desired breastfeeding goals. With a deep understanding of the transformative power of breastfeeding, she is committed to providing unwavering support and guidance to each mother she serves.

Virginia’s dedication extends beyond her professional life. The Pippin family has 2 large dogs that they love to pieces — Luna their Cane Corso and Sadie their Lab. Virginia is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Arkansas Lactation community and company, where she can make a meaningful impact on the lives of mothers and their children.

Qualifications & Training

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Development
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

• CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician)

Jackie Tobin is a married mother of 4 kids. With a background in psychology, human development, and leadership, she brings a very unique skill set to the table. Her formal education, combined with her experience breastfeeding her own four kids gives her the ability to relate to all moms, in every season. Jackie is fluent in Spanish and loves to connect cross culturally. She currently resides in Bella Vista with three boys and one girl that keep her on her toes! She moved to Northwest Arkansas from Payson, Arizona in January of 2021. Jackie currently works full time at a local hospital as their primary lactation consultant, but she is available multiple mornings a week to see patients outside of the hospital through Arkansas Lactation.

Qualifications & Training

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Leeanne graduated from the University of Arkansas with her Bachelor of Science in
Nursing. She began working on a pediatric/OB unit at a local hospital where she fell in love
with supporting breastfeeding moms. After having her first son, Leeanne took a job
teaching nursing students in the clinical setting on Labor, Postpartum, and NICU units.
During this time her love for supporting moms only grew. After having her second son,
Leeanne knew she wanted to become a lactation consultant. Leeanne trained at
Washington Regional Medical Center with the lactation team to obtain her IBCLC.
Leeanne is a married mother of two boys. She exclusively breastfed both her sons with
support from lactation consultants. Her dream is to help support mothers and empower
women. When she is not working, Leeanne enjoys being outside with her kids, snuggling
her German Shepherd Willow, watching her kids play soccer, and going on walks with her
husband.

Qualifications & Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Masters in Dietetic Administration
• Registered and Licensed Dietitian
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Carly is the married mother of 4 breastfed babies. While attending the University of Arkansas, she completed her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. Shortly after graduation, she started working for the Arkansas Department of Health in the Women Infants and Children (WIC) section teaching breastfeeding and prenatal nutrition classes.

She went on to complete her Master’s degree and Dietetic Internship through Utah State University, distance training at local hospitals, and school facilities. Working as a Registered Dietitian at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, she completed her masters thesis with a breastfeeding study of postpartum mothers and bedside breastfeeding instruction. She also worked on the Labor and Delivery floor teaching breastfeeding to inpatients and outpatients.

Of all the areas of dietetics, Carly is most interested in lactation and infant nutrition. She enjoys fostering the bond between mothers and babies and giving infants the best start possible.

Her firstborn child was born 6 weeks premature, giving her a reversed experience of the NICU. Almost exactly one year later her second child arrived, giving her a fast start into full-time motherhood. Shortly after leaving the working world to raise her first 2 babies, she earned her International Board Certified Lactation Certificate (IBCLC).

Since then she has given birth to 2 more children and has spent her time breastfeeding 😊 and staying active in the NWA Breastfeeding Coalition, the NWA La Leche League, and volunteering with multiple NWA nonprofits and her children’s school.

Carly loves spending time outside near any body of water, adventuring with her husband & children in NWA and beyond.

Qualifications & Training:

•Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Licensed Dietitian (RDN, LD)
•Master’s Degree in Nutrition (MS)
•Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition
•Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish

As a child, Hannah dreamed of moving overseas and teaching in Spanish-speaking countries, but she also wanted to work with families on establishing healthy habits for children. In high school, she was impacted by the care of a Registered Dietitian who showed her that food could be both fuel and fun without being restrictive. This opened the door for her to pursue degrees in both Spanish and Nutrition at Ouachita Baptist University, where she combined her love of teaching with her desire to support families and children in lifestyle changes. With her skills as a Registered Dietitian, she incorporates evidence-based nutrition practices with small, sustainable actions to help patients with various diseases. She especially loves working with women to establish healthy patterns before pregnancy throughout the postpartum period. She hopes to become a lactation consultant soon and improve in her ability to connect with Spanish-speaking families.

Hannah is married to her college running partner and study buddy, Josh, and they have a sweet baby girl. In her free time, she enjoys running, rock climbing, and finding the best desserts around NWA with her church community group.

Qualifications & Training:

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Licensed Dietitian (RDN, LD)
• Master’s Degree in Nutrition (MS)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition
• Minor in Spanish

Alex is a graduate of University of Central Arkansas where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. During her undergraduate studies she worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as a diet clerk where she worked alongside many dietitians. This allowed her to gain experience in many areas of pediatric medical nutrition therapy by providing nutrition education to families, calculating calorie intakes of patients, making formula orders and much more. Alex then completed her dietetic internship and Master’s degree at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Shortly after graduation Alex got a job with Foodsmart as an Outpatient Telehealth Dietitian, gaining experience in adult and pediatric nutrition consultations.

After having her daughter, Alex found her passion for helping others take charge when feeding their little ones and helping parents feel confident about their child’s nutrition. Alex loves working with parents and their babies with the introduction to solid foods, food allergens, picky eating and any other nutritional concerns parents may have.

Alex currently lives in Fayetteville with her husband, James, daughter, Eden, and dog, Jimmy. When not working, she enjoys doing crossfit, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family and chickens.

Qualifications and training:

• Registered Nurse
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Pam and her parents moved to NW Arkansas from Guam in 1967. She graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Nursing in 1979.

As a Registered nurse, she fell in love with Maternal-Child nursing, working in Labor & Delivery, NICU, Postpartum , Newborn Nursery and Pediatrics all of her career. She has worked in Arkansas, California, Arizona, Texas and this past summer in Baltimore Maryland as a travel nurse in a busy Mother-Baby unit. She also taught Lamaze Childbirth education and breastfeeding classes for many years.

In 2005, while working for a small hospital in the University of Minnesota system she was given the opportunity to attend the Healthy Children Breastfeeding course at the Mayo Clinic, where she tested to become a Certified Lactation Counselor. The following year she became an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant and since moving home to NWA has worked as that in Mercy, Northwest Medical Center Bentonville & Willow Creek Women’s hospital. She has worked both inpatient and outpatient in the field of lactation for many years.

Pam has 5 grown children & 2 stepson’s she has raised and now 5 beautiful grandchildren.

She and her husband John are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and have enjoyed co-teaching primary children’s Sunday School classes the past few years. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and their dog, Mickey.

She joined Arkansas Lactation this past fall after returning from a travel nurse assignment and is so glad to be back and doing what she loves most.