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As we gather in gratitude this season, my heart is overflowing with thanks for what we’ve been able to create together in just five short years. Over 1,100 babies have been wrapped in love and care at Hushabye Nursery — each one a testament to compassion, courage, and community. To our families, thank you for trusting us with your most precious little ones. To our community partners and donors, your unwavering generosity continues to make the impossible possible. This Thanksgiving, I’m reminded that every act of kindness, every moment of care, and every shared dream has built something truly beautiful — a haven of hope for families who need it most.
Tara
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Our 2025 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Gala was an incredible night of compassion, generosity, and hope! Together, we raised over $700,000 to support babies and families impacted by substance use disorder.
With 272 guests in attendance, the Westin Kierland's Marshall Lawn was filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and a shared commitment to changing lives. Many of our guests won fabulous raffle prizes—trips, sporting tickets, chef experiences, and so much more.
Because of you, more babies will be embraced with love, and more families will find the support they need to heal and thrive. Thank you for being a part of this magical evening and for helping every baby have a chance at a healthy start.
If you weren't able to attend, you need to check out the lullaby that one of our very own Hushabye moms sang at the event. More details coming soon!
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Congratulations to our latest
World Changer - Lisa
Lisa joined the Engagement Team in March, and we've been so impressed with her work ethic and commitment to the values and mission of Hushabye. Being on the admissions team takes a level of resilience that can be difficult to maintain, but Lisa focuses on our wins more than our losses and helps create an environment that is client-focused and strives to help our families. I have seen her go above and beyond to help our families, looking for resources, checking in on them, and helping them through their crisis. She listens without judging, and families know that she truly cares.
Lisa is truly a World Changer! Thank you, Lisa, for being an excellent example of our values.
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When Brandon Clark first met Hushabye Nursery’s founder, Tara Sundem, he was immediately inspired by her passion and purpose. “I was running another community health nonprofit and was introduced to Tara by a mutual colleague,” Brandon recalls. “I was struck by her drive to disrupt what she believed to be an ineffective and uncomfortable experience for babies navigating NAS and wanted to help however I could.”
Since that first meeting, Brandon has played a pivotal role in helping Hushabye grow from a bold idea into a fully realized care model. “It’s been amazing to watch Hushabye’s mission evolve from the compassionate ideation of the founder to what it is now—a sustainable, thriving model supported by an army of team members, volunteers, business partners, and donors,” he says. “I find personal fulfillment in working behind the scenes to make the mission sustainable and by providing whatever strategy, operational, or financial expertise I can to support Tara and the leadership team.”
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Professionally, Brandon serves as President of Equality Health, a local healthcare startup focused on improving the healthcare experience for historically underserved populations, particularly Medicaid beneficiaries. Under his leadership, Equality Health has expanded from an Arizona-based startup to a national platform serving more than 2,500 primary care practices across five states.
Outside of work, Brandon’s creativity and love of performance shine through. “I really enjoy Broadway shows and soundtracks,” he admits with a laugh. “I became notorious at my company for knowing all the words to Hamilton. As a father of two elementary school daughters, I’ve also stayed pretty up-to-date on Disney soundtracks!” Each summer, his family enjoys a Broadway show together during work trips to New York.
When asked how his family would describe him, Brandon smiles: “Intelligent, funny, handsome,” he jokes. “I paid them for those responses.”
His final message to the Hushabye community is heartfelt and simple:“If you’re thinking about getting involved with Hushabye—whether as a volunteer, donor, or business partner—take the leap. The work is so impactful and moving. You’ll almost certainly receive back far more than you give, in purpose and personal fulfillment.”
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Most people think Hushabye Nursery operates like a typical hospital unit. What you might not know is that our nurses, peer support specialists, and volunteers work around the clock — yes, even at 2 a.m. — to soothe and feed babies in withdrawal.
Our team celebrates milestones like “first full night of sleep” or “first time mom smiled again.” It’s more than care; it’s a calling that never clocks out.
Now, you know.
| If you joined us at Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, you caught a glimpse of Jessica’s incredible journey. Jessica and her son, Jeremiah, came to Hushabye Nursery in December 2024, and their story is one of remarkable courage, resilience, and hope. Stay tuned—next month’s Success Story will share their full journey and the beautiful impact of healing and love made possible through Hushabye. | |
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Before Hushabye, Lisa says life felt dark and disconnected. She struggled to believe she was worthy of her child or a future. When she was referred by Community Medical Services, she was connected with Hushabye—and everything began to shift.
Her time here brought something she had never felt before: a sense of belonging and hope. “Hushabye allowed me to feel a part of, a sense of community. It gave me the tools to parent. I felt support for the first time. I felt encouraged and believed in for the first time.”
Today, Lisa has returned to Hushabye as an Admissions Case Manager, walking alongside other moms just beginning their journeys. Her lived experience allows her to connect in powerful ways: “I physically, emotionally, and mentally have walked a very similar path as the people who walk through our door.”
To Lisa, recovery means opportunity—the gift of choice and the chance to choose her son every single day. Her advice to moms starting out: “Hang on, it’s not an easy ride, but I promise it is all worth it and you will get to where you want to be.”
We're so proud of Lisa and how far she's come. Inspirational!
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For nearly two years, Hushabye Nursery has been blessed by the warmth, dedication, and gentle care of volunteer Lynda Tatum. Her journey with Hushabye began after she saw a local news segment highlighting the nursery’s mission. Something in that story spoke to her heart—and soon after, she stepped through Hushabye’s doors ready to help. She’s been a beloved part of the Hushabye family ever since.
When asked what keeps her coming back, Lynda’s answer is simple: “It’s easy to fall in love with Hushabye Nursery.” The mission, the compassionate staff, and, of course, the babies—all make her time here deeply meaningful.
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“The caring staff and the babies that are entrusted to us make this a very special volunteer opportunity,” she says.
Through her service, Lynda has gained a new understanding of what families impacted by substance use are truly facing. “I’ve learned that addiction isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a family, community, and cultural struggle,” she reflects. “My eyes have been opened to a number of issues our families deal with, and I hope it’s made me a more compassionate and understanding person.”
And while Lynda’s favorite moments are spent holding and comforting the little ones, she’s also quick to mention the joy of working alongside the Hushabye staff. “The nurses and support staff have such a love and dedication for what they do. It’s so apparent—and that positive attitude shines through to everyone who walks through the front door.”
Lynda embodies the heart of Hushabye’s volunteer spirit: kind, compassionate, and unwavering in her belief that every baby deserves a healthy start. We are so grateful for her care, her time, and her beautiful reminder that small acts of love can make a world of difference.
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