Welcome, friend. 

I’m Erma Cooke, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Compassion Coach for life’s toughest times. Moved by my personal and professional journeys with transformative grief,

I hold space and help clients move through waves (or tsunamis) of sorrow and trauma. 

My work began in 1984 in the Newborn Nursery of a community hospital ~ but really, it started as young teenager when my mother passed away. Her loss left me with a void I could never fill and a gift of extending compassion to others. During my first 10 years in practice, I served as a bedside nurse, Charge Nurse, Assistant Manager, and Manager. In 1993, I was led to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and knew I found my calling at the bedside of NICU babies where I was able to hold space for life, loss, hope and helplessness at once.

Over my 38 years in nursing, I’ve rode many rough waves ~ burnout, frustration, neonatal loss, post-traumatic stress, and more. I’ve caught the tears of parents with a sick or premature newborn, stood by NICU staff as an infant died in our arms, and helped fellow clinicians rediscover their passion after severe burnout. I learned how important it is for anyone sailing through stormy weather to have support. 

We can’t navigate the sea of grief or trauma alone.

Today, I couple my work as a NNP with serving as a Compassion Coach focused on helping others regain strength and sail onward stronger than ever. Sessions are ideal for providers experiencing NICU trauma and burnout, as well as parents coping with pregnancy loss, postpartum loss, and the trauma of having a NICU baby. I also provide mentoring for leaders looking to advance in their medical careers. I’ve teamed up with Laura Jack to co-facilitate one of her signature programs, Surviving to Thriving™, on rediscovering your light after loss. My retreats and support circles are an invitation to connect with other people moving through waves. 

No matter what wave you may be riding in your life right now, I’m here to hold, encourage and support you through it. I look forward to being the grounding anchor or uplifting life buoy that you need and deserve.