Meet Our Volunteers
Thank You, volunteers! Your impact is felt far beyond the walls of the NICU. Families carry your kindness with them long after they leave, often sharing stories of how a volunteer's smile or supportive words helped them through their most challenging days.
Deneen Bryan
Founder and Executive Director
Est 2013
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Deneen is the Founder and Executive Director of Capturing Hopes Photography, bringing over 12 years of heartfelt leadership to her mission. With a personal story deeply rooted in pediatric intensive care, Deneen was a NICU mom for just 8 days but a PICU mom for nearly six months, a journey that profoundly shaped her passion for photographing NICU babies and families navigating medical challenges. Outside of her work, Deneen finds joy in walking her two dogs, playing the piano, and seizing every opportunity to travel. She and her husband will celebrate 30 years of marriage this June. Together, they have raised seven children and are now anticipating the arrival of their third grandchild.
“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” ~Helen Keller.
April Bentley
Program Director/Photographer
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Winston-Salem, NC
Volunteer since 2015
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April is a passionate photographer, wife, and mother based in Winston-Salem, NC, with over a decade of experience capturing meaningful moments. She values family connections, diversity, and individuality in her work. She is dedicated to volunteering with Capturing Hopes Photography, inspired by her own NICU journey with her son, who spent nearly 6 months in the NICU after birth. Her photography brings comfort, hope, and lasting memories to families during challenging times.
Kimberly Matthews
Volunteer Director/Photographer
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Winston-Salem, NC
Volunteer since 2023
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Kimberly Matthews is a wife, mother, and North Carolina-based photographer with a heart for storytelling, faith, and light. As the owner of Kimberly Matthews Photography, she specializes in family, senior, maternity, and intimate wedding photography, capturing life’s most meaningful moments with authenticity and grace. In addition to running her photography business, Kim works full-time as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. She’s also a proud volunteer with Capturing Hopes Photography, offering NICU families lasting memories. Kim finds joy in faith, family, travel, and preserving memories for life.
Emilie Phillipson
Photographer
Portland, OR
Volunteer since 2024
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Emilie is a wife, mother, and photographer who loves capturing precious moments for families. She homeschools her kids, explores the outdoors, and enjoys gardening, baking, and heartfelt conversations when not behind the camera. Inspired by her own NICU experience, she is passionate about giving back to NICU families through her photography.
Michelle Rooney
Photographer/Assistant
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Winston-Salem, NC
Volunteer since 2014
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Michelle is a passionate photographer and assistant at Forsyth Hospital since 2014, dedicated to preserving meaningful moments for families. She loves exploring historic and haunted places, cheering on her favorite hockey team, and spending time with her dogs. Photography drives her creativity, and she finds joy in capturing lasting memories for others.
Debbie Christensen
Creative Assistant/Seamstress
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Winston-Salem, NC
Volunteer since 2018
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Debbie Christensen has been a dedicated volunteer with Forsyth Novant since 2018, lovingly sewing blanket sets and bringing comfort to NICU families. A former preschool teacher with 30 years of experience, she has a heart for children and a gift for nurturing others. Married for 42 years, Debbie is a proud mom of two adult children and grandmother to four. Inspired by her own granddaughter’s NICU journey and full recovery after a stroke at birth, she finds deep reward in supporting families and bringing joy on photo day.