Dear LER community member:
As we move into 2020, I want to take this opportunity to catch you up on changes for me, Doug, and the Lactation Education Resources (LER) community.
As you may know, Doug and I retired this year. After more than 30 years of educating future lactation consultants, we are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy this new phase of our lives together. (If you are in the Maryland area, you might catch a glimpse of me enjoying a morning kayak trip!)
Before we could make this transition, it was important to us to ensure that the LER community was in capable hands. We were thrilled when Kirra Brandon stepped forward with her desire to lead and support LER’s students and instructors.
Kirra Brandon is a physician and, like so many of us in the field, inspired by her own breastfeeding experience (she has nursed all five of her children for more than 113 months and counting!). She also brings considerable experience with online education. She and her husband, Gus Stern, bring experience in providing online education for health care professionals. As LER’s Medical Director, Kirra will be focused on expanding lactation education for all through increasing access around the globe and to a wide variety of health care professionals. We are so grateful that she has chosen to lead LER into the years to come. You can reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Of course, Kirra holds a deep commitment to LER’s mission, vision, and core values. She has been working closely with staff to make sure there has been a seamless transition of the high quality education and customer service that have always been central to the LER community.
Many of you may already know Angela Love-Zaranka, BA, IBCLC, RLC, who has worked with LER for over 15 years. She brings her deep knowledge of the profession to her new role as LER’s Program Director. In her role, Angela will continue the work I started in 1990. You can reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
I hope you will join me in welcoming Kirra to LER. I have no doubt that her leadership means that you will continue to enjoy the education and support for which LER is known.
Finally, I would like to share my gratitude with you for being a part of the LER community. Our students, instructors, advisors and staff together have provided evidence-based support to countless families thanks to your shared commitment to education. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of lactating families.
Sincerely,
Vergie Hughes, RN MS IBCLC FILCA LER Founder