your husband, girls’ trips, or dinners with friends from high school, college, work, or school. Taking time to refill your cup isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? MONIQUE: I was not a huge movie watcher growing up. I have never seen The Goonies , The Breakfast Club , Star Wars , or probably any other childhood staple movie. HOW HAS BEING A MOTHER SHAPED THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR ROLE AT THE HOSPITAL? MONIQUE: It’s shaped me in a very personal way. I often stop and think, “How would I feel if I were the mom in this situation, this diagnosis, or hospitalization? How would I want this to unfold, and how would I want it to be presented to me?”That perspective guides me how I care for every patient and family I encounter. It has also made me more intentional with my own children. I hug my babies tighter, pray often, and remind them daily how much I love them, because I’ve learned that things can change in the blink of an eye. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT RAISING YOUR CHILDREN IN LOUISIANA? MONIQUE: The sense of community, family, culture, and tradition. From Saturday morning ballgames and local festivals to family gatherings and southern hospitality, there’s something special about growing up surrounded by people who truly support one another. I love that my children are being raised with strong family values, faith, and a deep appreciation for where they come from. They see the importance of community in all of their aspects of life: our neighborhood, our school and church life, and our own family near and far. QUICK Q’S: Go-to caffeine spot & order… Starbucks: Iced caramel macchiato, almond milk, sweet cream cold foam. One word that best describes my family… Devoted. Favorite food… Anything Mexican. Hidden talent… Remembering every little detail for everyone except where I just put my phone. I feel my best when I am… Surrounded by people I love with no expectations or plans.
There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.
THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®
800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org
NOLAFAMILY.COM | JULY 2026 13
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