Champion Profile: Bonnie Henson

Native to Los Angeles County, Bonnie was born in the city of Hawthorne and raised along with her sister in Norwalk and then Cerritos, where she lives today. When asked when she knew she would become a nurse Bonnie said, "My mother always said I was going to be a nurse because I always wanted to help people -- I think nursing is a profession that does just that."

Bonnie attended Cerritos College where she studied to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse and then a Registered Nurse. She then went on to receive her certificate as a Lactation Educator and then as a Lactation Consultant from UCLA. She completed her impressive list of degrees four years ago when she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Bellevue University.

Among positions she held in the health care field, Bonnie has been a charge nurse for the Mother Baby Nursery at Pioneer Hospital in Artesia and owner of the Lactation Center of Cerritos. She was a senior lactation consultant at Kaiser Permanente South Bay and a clinical staff/lactation educator at UCLA.

Bonnie lives with her husband of 37 years. She has three children who "have grown into fantastic supportive men," she says. She also has a 1-year-old granddaughter.

What makes you happy?

Being with my family and also seeing mothers who have met their breastfeeding goals.

Angry?

People who are closed minded and refuse to think outside of the box.

Which historical figure do you admire most and why?

Jesus, because he taught us to be a kind, gentle people, to love each other and to be forgiving.

What is the greatest challenge the children and families of LA County face today?

I think the biggest challenge is poverty. We have such an influx of low-income families in the county and many of the children are not able to get the medical care or education they need.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My mother because she taught me to be a strong self reliant woman. To think for myself, to be humble, to live life to the fullest and to help others who are not as fortunate. She was the greatest influence in my life.

What is your motto?

"Breastfeeding is the most precious gift a mother can give her infant. When there is illness or malnutrition it may be a lifesaving gift; when there is poverty it may be the only gift."

- Dr. Ruth Lawrence

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