Honoring the NFP Professional

I was delighted when I received the request to write an article honoring NFP professionals. I started providing restorative reproductive medicine (RRM) in 2000 and have collaborated with many amazing NFP professionals over the years.

Shortly after being trained in NaProTechnology I met JoAnn Stephens who taught the Creighton Model in Fresno. She was one of the most elegant, beautiful women I have ever met, and yet I could not agree more with those who referred to her as a “Sherman Tank”. She was always advancing the mission of NFP, rolling right over obstacles that would stop many, with her persistence and determination. Her clients who became my patients, came to me extremely knowledgeable, and impassioned to use that knowledge to pursue better health of body and soul. This was at a time when health coaches, and patient navigators were rare, and I was amazed how delightful it was to have such an educated team to transform women’s health.

After JoAnn’s passing, I was in need of a Creighton Model Practitioner, and met yet another one of my heroes, Sheila St John. She would drive the three hours to Fresno periodically to have a marathon of client visits, and really helped me take the NaProTechnology practice in Fresno to a higher level. I couldn’t have practiced RRM without her and again was amazed at the benefit of having a knowledgeable teacher on the team in the care of my patients. The wisdom she shared with both me and my patients convinced me this was the model of care that should be greatly expanded.

Knowing the need for more trained NFP professionals, I partnered with Margaret Howard to start an annual Practitioner Training program located in the Fresno Diocese, though students came from as far as Nigeria and Australia to attend. It was beautiful to watch these new NFP professionals grow in wisdom and excitement, even though many had obstacles to overcome. It was a recurring theme that women were on this journey as a calling from God.

One of these women was Angelica Valverde, who I am proud to have working alongside me in my office. She has helped blend RRM into a busy sleep center. She responds to NFP inquries, trains them in charting, helps them know the timing of their blood work, tracks down the results, and provides answers to their questions, even on busy days. She is terrific with all ages, but is truly magnificent when training adolescents, helping them have the strength to avoid the pitfalls of the path commonly offered young women.

To all the amazing NFP professionals who have empowered women to understand their body, and walked beside them during difficult times—such as the journey of infertility—you have my immense respect and appreciation.

Thank you and may God always bless your efforts!

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