My Story

Leah Jayanetti has had a lifelong passion for maternal health and NICU babies. On her path to turning her passion into purpose, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Exercise Science and continued her education at Duke University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She went on to practice pediatric physical therapy with a focus on NICU follow-up and early intervention. She is also a certified perinatal mental health specialist, and trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and trauma informed care. She has lectured to universities and hospitals on the importance of the appropriate NICU environment for developing babies and their families. Leah is a founding member and Director of Programs and Education for ICU baby, a Miami based non-profit organization supporting families with a baby in the NICU. There she leads a team of NICU Parent Mentors who provide in-hospital bedside support and tele-support to NICU and bereaved families. She authored ICU baby’s NICU Empowerment Support Tools program including the My NICU Baby Book, a journal and guidebook for NICU families, and the NEST Video series. Leah has 3 school-aged children and her journey as a mother coupled with her professional experience drives her to seek the best care for NICU babies and their families.