Caring Essentials Collaborative

A movie surprised me this week.

I thought I was watching another Robin Hood story.

Instead, I found myself reflecting on grief, complexity, and the quiet work of discernment.

This essay is about the difference between understanding an idea and allowing it to become the way we live.

If you've been wrestling with complexity lately, perhaps this reflection will resonate with you.

🔗 https://caringessentials.net/post/the-quiet-work-of-discernment

Changing the Narrative: Language, Bias, and the Power of Words in Care

Words matter.
They shape experiences.
They influence relationships.
They carry assumptions, histories, power, and possibility.

And in healthcare — especially in perinatal and neonatal spaces — language can either deepen shame and disconnection or foster dignity, trust, and healing.

I’m honored to share an upcoming webinar hosted by the Family-Centered Care Taskforce: Stigmatizing Language: Changing the Narrative

🗓 May 14th

⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PT

💻 Free Webinar

This important conversation brings together an incredible panel of clinicians, educators, advocates, and leaders exploring how stigmatizing language impacts patients, families, and healthcare culture — and what it means to intentionally create more compassionate, equitable, and trauma-informed communication practices.

The panel includes:

- Veronica Barcelona

- Jessi Barnes

- Rose Horton

- Adrienne McIntyre

- Cheniqua Morales

This conversation feels deeply aligned with the ongoing work of trauma-informed developmental care, relational health, and the recognition that language is never “just words.” The way we speak about people — parents, babies, colleagues, communities, ourselves — shapes the environments we create and the care we deliver.

Together, we can begin shifting from labels and assumptions toward curiosity, dignity, belonging, and shared humanity.

If this speaks to you, I hope you’ll join us.

Registration is free.

📲 Scan the QR code in the flyer below to register and learn more.