Some nurses are made by attending school. Others are simply born as if caring for others is something integral to who they are, and Alyssa is clearly the latter. Alyssa was warm and encouraging from day one. Trying to wrap my head around the basics in the small babies’ unit during the first days in the NICU, I began taking notes during rounds to organize myself. Alyssa saw me and said, "look at you - keeping track and taking notes, great job!" And I instantly felt that I was on the right track to learning more about my twins' care and empowered to advocate for them. At the start of pumping breast milk, I felt discouraged bringing in bottles with only 10 or 12 MLs and she said, "This is great you're doing so well!" which was what I needed to hear to keep going and I eventually was able to bring in full bottles. Alyssa was a reassuring presence, for example, one day I texted my mom "no worries, Alyssa is here we're going to have a good day."

Besides from being there for us, Alyssa is quick to help others and is never idle. She literally jumps up at the chance to help her fellow nurses in between meeting our needs. Alyssa's compassion and hard work does not go unnoticed. We really appreciate her and the personal, quality care she provides to our boys.