Advisory Board
The Friends of New York City Nurse-Family Partnership (NYC NFP) Advisory Board is composed of community members, professionals, and program graduates who provide strategic advice, guidance, and industry insights on maternal and child health, self-sufficiency, and community-based programming. The Advisory Board serves as a critical link between the organization and the communities it serves, ensuring community perspectives inform planning, strategy, and program development. They offer flexible, specialized support for growth.
Jill Lerman
Jill Lerman is a play expert, early childhood educator, parenting coach, consultant, and host of *The Art of Playful Parenting* podcast. She empowers overwhelmed parents and caregivers to connect and engage with their little ones through simple prompts to play and create, helping make parenting feel more joyful and manageable.
Jill also serves as a play expert and consultant for brands, where she teaches classes, leads workshops, creates content, consults on product development, and develops play ideas. She facilitates professional development workshops for early childhood centers and speaks on play and parenting topics for employees at large corporations.
A mom herself, Jill understands how challenging it can be to get through the day, which is why her approach focuses on making play simple, accessible, and meaningful. She helps families create environments that see children as capable from their earliest days while fostering creativity, playfulness, bonding, and connection.
Jill lives in Jersey City and is a mom to a preschooler and an infant. To learn more about her private coaching, monthly membership, and podcast, visit her website at www.jillybeansnyc.com or follow her on Instagram @jillybeansnyc.
Lauren Heck
Lauren is a mom to an almost two-year-old living in Brooklyn. She has been a registered nurse for the past 10 years, including more than seven years as a bedside nurse in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). After earning her Family Nurse Practitioner degree, she transitioned into her current full-time role as a Family Nurse Practitioner, where she continues to support the health and well-being of children and families.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find her exploring Brooklyn with her toddler—whether at the playground, in the park, or enjoying the beach during the summer.
“I’m passionate about connecting with other moms and young families, and I’m excited to build meaningful relationships within this community.”