In this deeply moving episode of Care OUTLOUD, Mary sits down with Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez—author of From Rollercoasters to Carousels—for a heartfelt exploration of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of human connection.

Gigi shares her journey through profound loss, her time in the NICU as a parent, and how those experiences inspired her to write a book that offers both solace and guidance for families and clinicians alike. Together, Mary and Gigi unpack what it means to “care out loud” in the face of suffering—to bring compassion and humanity into systems too often driven by data and efficiency.

This conversation is an invitation to slow down, to listen deeply, and to remember that healing is not linear—it’s a lifelong dance between grief and grace, between breaking and becoming.

Highlights include:

• The emotional realities of NICU life and how trauma manifests in silence.

• The invisible load families—and clinicians—carry long after discharge.

• How biases and systemic inequities shape the caregiving experience.

• The intersection of compassion, presence, and advocacy in trauma-informed care.

• Gigi’s insight that “compassion first, wisdom second” opens the door to true healing.

About Gigi:
Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez is an occupational therapist, leadership and organizational wellness coach, and the author of From Rollercoasters to Carousels: A Journey Through the Emotions of the NICU and Beyond. Her work centers on emotional wellness, equity, and the universal experience of healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• From Rollercoasters to Carousels (available wherever books are sold)

• Gigi’s website: https://familiesblossoming.com/

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