Meet Gina Harris | Chief Executive Officer of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I am the chief executive officer of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS), a nonprofit organization providing remembrance portraits to parents experiencing the death of a baby. We have more than 1,000 photographers that volunteer their time and go into hospitals to capture the only moments parents spend with their babies. We deliver heirloom quality images to families that will last for generations, which contribute greatly to their healing journey.

When I tell people what I do, I typically receive two responses. Either a response telling me how beautiful our gift is, or I receive a questioning look, or the question itself, “is that appropriate?”

The photographs we give will in most cases become the parents most prized possession. We have never had a family regret receiving the images, but sadly, we have had families regret declining the opportunity to receive photographs.

The photographs document the existence of the baby and help others see their baby and know their baby.

I know about the healing impact of these images. I have experienced the loss of two of my babies, David and Ethan. I was able to receive photographs of my son David, but I was not able to photograph Ethan. I often feel like Ethan is forgotten because I don’t have the photographs of him, like I do of David. And now, my miracle son understands and knows about his big brothers because I at least have the photographs of David.

For our photographers, most will say that this is the best way to give back using their talent of photography. They often say that it is the most fulfilling part of being a photographer. Do they get emotional? Of course. But, the healing they provide for bereaved families far outweighs the emotions of being in the room with the family during this time.

If you want to find out more about NILMDTS and how to volunteer, donate or share our services with those in need, you can visit www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep apart is that as a nonprofit we have a very unique mission that is not being done anywhere else at this scale. I have always turned my personal life experiences into a way to help others. After losing my babies David and Ethan and also having two miscarriages, it is an honor to help parents who are going through the same losses and gifting them with something I personally know will contribute greatly to their healing journey.

What I do in my position is not easy, but it is very rewarding. I have learned and will continue to learn how to find the delicate balance of the emotions behind our nonprofit, but also making decisions for growth so we can be available for more families.

Pregnancy and infant loss is still a taboo subject in today’s society. We don’t talk about it still. Parents who have lost a baby typically want to be able to talk about their experience. They want their babies recognized and acknowledged. I believe that the images NILMDTS provides is an incredible way to start the discussion and I know the images we provide have helped make people more aware of pregnancy and infant loss.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a sixth generation Coloradan and may be one of the biggest cheerleaders for Colorado! I would want my friend to see a variety of places in Colorado to show them this amazing state!

1. Downtown Denver
2. Fort Collins (I am a CSU alum)
3. Glenwood Springs
4. Hike a 14er
5. Manitou Springs incline
6. Paint mines
7. Mesa Verde
8. Red Rocks
When we are in the mountains, I would want to stop in all the towns along the way.

When Casa Bonita opens up, I would take them there and maybe the food will really be better!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank our co-founder Cheryl Haggard who had the idea to create Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. In the midst of her grief in losing her son Maddux, she thought of creating priceless heirloom photographs of Maddux and in turn, she created the same opportunity for other bereaved parents. Since 2005, more than 60,000 families around the world have been gifted with remembrance portraits from NILMDTS.

Website: www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org

Instagram: nowilaymedowntosleep

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/now-i-lay-me-down-to-sleep/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nilmdts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo1DJluKO24uvG4SjjHQjXw

Image Credits
All black and white ones – credit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep My headshot – credit Eric Weber