From Milk Bank Staff to Mom: Simone's Journey

Thursday, 4/28/2016

If you’ve been involved with Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas at any point in the past six years, you’ve likely come across Simone Summerlin. As our Director of Programs, she oversees the dispensation of donor milk to both hospitals and outpatients. However, her position has transformed since she first joined the team in September of 2009. And just weeks ago, she stepped into a new role: mom.

Simone joined the staff after a friend, who worked at MMBNT at the time, asked her if she was interested in a job. Simone had just begun her first semester of college, pursuing a culinary arts degree.

“My plan was to pursue a career in the food industry once my degree was complete,” she said. “When that time came, I realized that I couldn’t leave MMBNT; this place is my home!”

When Simone first joined MMBNT, she started as a Donor Program Coordinator. While speaking with every milk donor who passed through our doors, she realized this job allowed her to fulfill a passion. Despite not yet having children of her own, Simone felt a connection with these donors.

“There were countless times I felt completely underqualified for the job, but I used each day as an opportunity to learn from the donors I spoke to and to pass on their wisdom as encouragement for other moms,” Simone said.

After five years as a Donor Program Coordinator, she spent six months flexing her creative skills as Outreach Director. As MMBNT’s needs changed, she stepped into her current role as Director of Programs.

In March, Simone and her husband Adrian welcomed their first son, Rhett, into the world. While she is learning new things every day, Simone says she can credit much of her confidence as a new mom to MMBNT.

“Between receiving tips and encouragement from donor moms and our executive director’s wisdom as a lactation consultant, I welcomed this new chapter of my life knowing more about motherhood than I could have ever expected to,” she said.

When asked what advice she would give to other new moms, Simone said to relax and cherish every waking moment you have with your baby.

“I make sure that I take the time out of my day to just hold my baby, breathe in his heavenly scent, and soak up every feature of his perfect little body,” Simone said.

We are so glad Simone has been a constant at MMBNT for so long, and we are excited to welcome baby Rhett into our family!

Professional photos courtesy of Mike Miller Photography.