Jenny Thomas, MD, MPH, NABBLM-C, FAAP, FABM
Dr. Jenny Thomas is a pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Advocate Children’s Health. She is a graduate of Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin. She did her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, served as Chief Resident in Pediatrics, and did one year of a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. She is the Chair-Elect for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Breastfeeding. She is recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (FABM) for her expertise on breastfeeding. She was in the first group of physicians in the US and Canada to be board certified in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. She is the AAP liaison to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Frenectomy Workgroup and is the lead author of the AAP Clinical Report on “Identification and Management of Ankyloglossia and its Effect on Breastfeeding in Infants.” She has received national advocacy awards, multiple teaching awards, and has been recognized for innovation within her practice and community. She has been published in Pediatrics, Clinical Pediatrics, the Journal of Human Lactation, and Breastfeeding Medicine.
Clifton, J. Kenon, DNP, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAWHONN, FNYAM, FAAN
Clifton J. Kenon, DNP, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAWHONN, FNYAM, FAAN is a Clinical Associate Professor and the Assistant Dean of Global Programs at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. He is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in maternal–child health, lactation science, and health equity, with a career dedicated to advancing breastfeeding support, human milk provision, family planning access, and community-led health solutions.
Dr. Kenon’s work has spanned clinical practice, global program development, federal health leadership, and policy advocacy. Prior to his appointment at NYU Meyers, he served in senior leadership roles at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Health Service, where he led efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality, strengthen health systems, and advance community self-determination in health outcomes. He remains actively engaged in clinical practice as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and continues to provide in-home visiting lactation care to families, grounding his academic, policy, and global work in real-time clinical realities.
A graduate of James Sprunt Community College (ADN), Winston-Salem State University (BSN), the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (MSN), and Chatham University (DNP), Dr. Kenon’s scholarship reflects a deep commitment to health equity, breastfeeding policy, nurse-led philanthropy, and the development of sustainable community-centered models of care. He serves on national and international boards focused on maternal–child health and lactation, and is a fellow of both the American Academy of Nursing, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the New York Academy of Medicine.
His career has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for leadership and impact in nursing, public health, and global maternal–child health.
Diona Buck, CHW, CLC
Diona Buck is Nakoda from the Fort Belknap Assiniboine Tribe of 猎奇重口 and a descendant of the Aaniiih (White Clay) Tribe. She is a proud mother of four beautiful children, whose lives and experiences continue to ground and inspire her work. Diona graduated from 猎奇重口 State University–Northern in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health through the 猎奇重口’s online program. She is very passionate about improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities, with a particular focus on perinatal and maternal health, and is committed to advancing culturally responsive, community-led approaches that honor Indigenous families and traditions.
Jennifer Stires, RN, IBCLC
Owner and Lactation Consultant at Nursing Nook LLC in Missoula 猎奇重口 since 2008 & Mother of 3 young ladies. Jennifer Stires received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2000. After working with migrant, immigrant populations in family practice she found her passion in public health. Later while working at the Missoula City-County Health Department and having her own struggles with confidence and lack of knowledge in breastfeeding she became passionate and dedicated to improving breastfeeding rates; specifically the continuation of breast feeding and breast pumping after new mothers return back to the work force. She received her IBCLC in 2005. She opened the Nursing Nook LLC in 2008 and has assisted thousands of new parents and babies with breast feeding and breast pumping in 猎奇重口 and beyond.