NIN Ambassadors

Growing up in the  Boston area, Jayne graduated from Melrose High School and the Chandler School for Women.  “I never could get the hang of shorthand! Fortunately, that’s a thing of the past!”

Jayne and her husband (a former Boston Patriots, now New England Patriots, football player) , have been married almost 60 years and have 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. They raised their family in Kansas City, Missouri where her husband was a teacher and coach. Jayne went to work full-time when her youngest turned 12 at the National Weather Service and retired from government work in 2001. 

Enjoying life to the fullest, Jayne enjoys knitting and going out to eat. They spend summer and fall in a cabin they have owned for 40 years on the spring-fed Current River in Southeast Missouri and they stay warm during the winter months in Englewood, Florida. “To quote my 4-year-old-granddaughter – I am a lucky old woman.”

Jayne will be representing Newborns in Need in Florida during her winter stay and we are excited to have her energy and enthusiasm supporting babies in the Englewood, Florida area. 

The mother of four adult children, 6 grandchildren and 3 grandpups, Shari and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest Corner of Washington State. With both personal and professional experience in difficult birthing experiences, and postpartum depression, Shari is committed to ensuring mothers in rural communities receive the support they need that she did not have access to herself. Shari is completing her Masters in Social Work and with the support of her employer, Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, Shari will be will launching a family resource and support center to allow for more rural community outreach and support. Shari has also recently been designated as the Regional Perinatal Educator and Outreach Social worker for Catholic Charities where she will be providing community training for programs such as the family companion and fatherhood projects that have been a long time staple of support for the agency in larger communities. 

While Shari’s life is busy, she has made time to become a Newborns in Need Ambassador. She intends to use her connections and network to continue to  support newborns in the community through Newborns in Need.  Most recently, a Mt. Carmel Blanket Crew group has started with 26 members who have committed to making blankets with yarn and other snuggly fabrics, to donate to the local OB unit at the hospital.

We are excited to have Shari represent our organization in Washington state and look forward to her work with newborns on behalf of Newborns in Need.

Irene is a mother of two adult children and a grandmother of two boys, a 3 year old and an 8 month old. She heard about Newborns In Need when her first grandson was born. Seeing how well and blessed he is being cared for, she started volunteering for NIN in her local communities by providing immediate need items to newborns who are in need during the first few weeks of life because she believes “Every child born deserves basic essentials”. Irene is fortunate to have the support of Rosemarie King, who tirelessly sews bibs, burp cloths, receiving blankets, pants etc. with her talented hands, to add to the immediate need kits. 

With Irene’s twenty years of scouting leadership experience and the support of the local leaders, they are planning to involve the Girl Scouts in joining the mission of NIN while working on their GS service projects.

Irene enjoys spending time with her grandsons and knitting for them and the babies in need. She looks forward to the days when it is safe so she and her husband may cruise again.

Lillian, Laney, and Shannon are juniors at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, North Carolina. All three are on the basketball and soccer teams at their school, and as student athletes, they work together to achieve goals in the classroom as well as on their teams. They are excited to be co-presidents of the Newborns In Need Club at their school. They are striving to make a difference through their club by teaching other students new skills and donating necessary materials to those who cannot afford them in their community.

My name is Presli Punzo, I am 15 years old, and I am a freshman at DeKalb High School in Missouri! I am the Vice President of Communications for my FBLA club, a part of FFA, FCA, Student Council and a cheerleader and softball player. My goal in life is to graduate college, go to medical school, and become an orthopedic P.A! One of my biggest passions is helping those in need and giving back to my community. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive family, and live in a very supportive community as well. However, I have seen many situations where others have not been as fortunate, and I have seen many poverty stricken communities. This motivated me to become involved with Newborns In Need and help babies and mothers around my community. I’m hoping to help inspire others to see needs in their communities and do what they can to help! 

Almost Retired Dietitian at VA Hospital Nashville Tennessee. Married to John. Two adult children, David and Emily. I have 3 dogs that are my babies now! I enjoy crafts, crocheting , making diaper cakes and sewing. 

 I also enjoy my garden and growing fruits and vegetables. I will retire with VA soon with 30 yrs of service.

I am originally from Kentucky.

My name is Kalia Yarbrough, I am 17 years old, and I am a junior at Temecula Valley High School. I come from a loving and generous family, and from them is where I was inspired to give back to my community. I came across Newborns In Need as I started my own club at school. My club is dedicated to supporting infants in need. Some goals I have are to graduate High School, College, and then go into the film industry. I would also like to continue giving back to my community and helping those in need whenever I can. As a Newborns In Need Ambassador, I’m looking forward to learning new things, and also the new opportunities I will come across. I hope I can inspire more people to give back, and to help those who need it.

Hi, my name is Ava and I’m so excited to be an Ambassador for NIN!  I love babies and with my platform, “Let’s Rainbows” I make headband bows and bow ties for babies born in the hospital.  I’m excited to partner with Newborns in Need and help all the babies of my community!

Hello! My name is Monafaye Martinez I am 16 years old and am a junior at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, NY. I am a huge advocate for service and giving back to others in need. I volunteer at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, am a volunteer for New York Blood Bank, and volunteer of the Special Olympics Program. I am also a dancer and have been competing at my studio for 13 years and am on the Varsity Dance Team at my school. At school I am involved in the clubs SALT (Service Allegiance Leadership Teamwork), CROSS (Christian’s Reaching Out Spreading Spirituality), National Honor Society, Blue and Gold, and Health Science Club. I hope to study medicine and become a doctor in Emergency Medicine. I love the mission of Newborns in Need and the impact it has on the lives of people that need it most.