Aileene is a nurse home visitor for Nurse-Family Partnership, an evidence-based home visitation model that focuses on promoting positive healthy mother and child outcomes. Her warm heart, positive attitude, determination, and creativity have proven to engage one of the most vulnerable populations we serve, first-time pregnant, and parenting adolescents living in a residential treatment center. These adolescents have experienced childhood trauma and have spent their lifetime in the foster care system and many have mental health disorders. Aileene goes beyond to make sure her clients feel cared for, valued, and that they have the latest information related to their health and the health of their children.
Aileene is always thinking of creative ways to discuss important topics. For shaken baby syndrome, Aileene made red gelatin in a plastic container and passed it around so they could see, the gelatin representing a baby's brain and the effects of shaking. During COVID-19, Aileene made a special trip to pick up diapers from the diaper bank and deliver to her clients safely. Aileene builds trusting relationships with her clients and helps them through the emotional, social, and physical challenges of becoming parents. Her clients say it best. One wrote, "My nurse is very sweet, she has provided me with the tools I need to be a better parent." And another, "My nurse is a good person and she taught me a lot. I love her a lot."