Samantha Diaz

When you think of Sam the first thing you think of is support, encouragement, and loyalty. I was 18 when Sam came into my life with a 2 month daughter. Having a child young is one thing but having a child with an unsupportive father is another. Sam barely knew me but quickly became my rock during this time. She was physically supportive in helping care for my daughter while at work to help ease my mind of the stress that comes along with trusting people with your child. She was also the mental support I have never experienced from anyone else in life. In hard dark days I could call Sam and she would remind me that I am a great mother. I am giving my daughter everything she needs. That I am EXACTLY what she needs. Being 18 barely making enough to support myself let alone a child had depression knocking at my door. Sam was so encouraging. Not only with word but with actions. Hapy times she was there to share as well. Whether it was taking the candid photos, doing what she could to take the stress so I can experience, or being the one to encourage creating the memories. I say this with my whole being I truly don’t think I would be the person or mother I am without her in my life. I probably would have stay in the toxic situation and mind set had it not been for her. To this day almost 16 years later still reminds me that I am a great mother and that my daughter is who she is because of me. She is a blessing that I would never take for granted. A person that you secretly want to keep for yourself but you know everyone needs a piece of.

- Ariel D

After my daughter was born and I was so just overwhelmed home alone. My Ex Husband was working and I called her to talk and she ending up coming over to just sit with me and just talk to me. It got my mind off of having a toddler and a newborn and she was just there with me I am pretty sure we didn't even speak for a while. The highlight of it was that I know deep down part of her was worried about the postpartum depression, but she didn’t point out, didn’t rub it in my face and tell me like oh somethings wrong with you and I was scared that’s why I’m here with you. No, she just came over just to be with me and made sure I was ok. And just with that I felt that much more less alone. There are so many other ways she has shown up for me in the 10+ years I have known her. I didn’t have to verbatimly ask her to, she just shows up whether it’s in form of words of affirmation whether it’s physically showing up for me she's just you’re there.

- Emily Sellona

Sam and I have gone through so many phases in our adult life. In each phase, she has been very supportive as she is the person I can count on! When I became a mom, Sam had a lot of experience under her belt as she had 3 kids (my nephews). Since she has been through so much with my nephews, she knew exactly what I needed. She helped me get through my postpartum and loss of my mom shortly after giving birth to my first son. Whether it was her encouraging words or her physically helping me with my baby, she was always there for me! With my second son, postpartum hit me even harder. Somehow Sam always knows how to help me get through the tough times of postpartum. I know I can always count on her to be there for me and my family. Without her love and support, I'm not sure how I would get through the trenches of postpartum. She is a major key in my village!

- Amanda N

For all three of my pregnancy’s Sam was there to support me after I gave birth. She helped me with my short term of breastfeeding. She reassured me that it’s okay if I could not breastfeed anymore and supported any decision I was going to make. She would text me to see if I needed any help or if I needed anything. I’m so grateful for her being there for myself and my babies.

- Vanessa Diaz

I truly feel you have helped me through all my motherhood phases, always having kind words to say, definitely always encouraging when I felt like there was no where to turn! You have always been a safe place for the girls and I, you are an extraordinary woman that I have had the privilege to know and call my friend, I’m so excited for you and that you are taking this step of certification. For something that already comes so naturally to you, kindness, love, understanding, compassion! What a blessing you will be to so many more families

- Catherine Koch