Spotlight on the Staff: Sithary Ly
For more than 26 years, Sithary Ly has supported families and strengthened communities through her work with Families in Good Health at Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center.
Sithary’s compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless families across Central Long Beach, especially those in underserved communities. “When you work in a community that has a lot of needs, you have to have passion,” she says in the video above. “Without passion, you cannot be in this field because it requires a lot of attention and support to the families and children. You have to be patient, loving, and caring.”
Sithary was a key player in launching St. Mary’s Welcome Baby program, and she has been a Parent Coach and supervisor there since it started 12 years ago.
Her dedication doesn’t stop with Welcome Baby. Since 2011, Sithary has also served on the Best Start Central Long Beach leadership team, where she continues to advocate for her community. “I enjoy serving the community and helping moms and their families thrive,” she said.
Sithary’s colleagues describe her as an inspiring mentor and leader. Program Manager Michelle Brannon said, “Sithary’s 26 years of exceptional dedication and impactful service have not only elevated the Welcome Baby program here at St. Mary Medical Center, but have also deeply enriched the Central Long Beach community, earning her multiple awards and consistent praise for her advocacy and mentorship. Her visionary approach and ability to inspire her team have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and achieving program goals. Her unwavering commitment to maternal and child health has made a profound difference in the lives of countless families. She inspires me every day. We are incredibly grateful to have her on our team!”
Sara Halili, Clinical Supervisor at St. Mary Medical Center, shared: “One thing Sithary always does is go above and beyond, and it’s truly an honor to work with her.”
Sithary is proud to serve the Cambodian community and often connects with families in their native language, Khmer, helping ensure that every family feels seen and supported. Watch her conversation with a client (translation transcript provided in the video description):
Sithary was also featured in the 2021 Family Strengthening Network Annual Summit alongside her client, Lida, a first-time mother. When Lida experienced complications during her pregnancy, Sithary encouraged her to seek medical help, provided essential resources and information, and supported her in advocating for her rights in the workplace. Her guidance and care helped Lida navigate a difficult time with confidence and strength. Watch the panel conversation:
For more on her journey and reflections, check out our 2015 interview with Sithary:
Thank you, Sithary, for your dedication and all the work you’ve done to help families in Los Angeles County over the years!
Find a Home Visiting Program in L.A. County
- Do you know someone in L.A. County who is pregnant or who recently had a baby? They can find a free in-home support program at eDirectory.HomeVisitingLA.org.
- Learn about Welcome Baby and see all the participating hospitals at WelcomeBabySupport.org.
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