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.

Contact Deneen: Deneen@capturinghopesphoto.org

View Deneen's website!

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” ~Helen Keller.

Kimberly Matthews

Volunteer Director/Photographer

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.

Contact Kimberly: Kimberly@capturinghopesphoto.org

View Kim's website!

April Bentley

Program Director/Photographer

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

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.

View April's website!

Emilie Phillipson

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.

View Emilie's website!

Riley Milstead

Riley is the heart behind Riley Jane Photography, based in Lexington, NC, and serving the Piedmont Triad and beyond. To her, photography is a way to slow down life’s most meaningful moments and preserve them with intention and care. When she’s not at the studio, Riley is usually with the people she loves most—whether that’s grabbing coffee at a favorite local spot or spending weekends in Charlotte with her supportive boyfriend and close friends. She also enjoys getting a good workout in, browsing her favorite shops, or relaxing at home with her cat, Izzy. Though she spends her days encouraging others in front of the camera, Riley prefers life behind the lens. She understands the vulnerability that comes with being photographed, and her goal is always to help clients feel confident, comfortable, and truly themselves. Her calm, steady presence makes each session feel natural and enjoyable. Riley volunteers with Capturing Hopes Photography, where she photographs families in the NICU—work that allows her to blend her passion for helping others with her love for documenting meaningful stories. At her core, Riley believes everyone deserves to have their story told beautifully, and she’s grateful for every opportunity to do just that.

View Riley's website!

Angi Carman

Angi Carman is the owner of Angi Carman Photography, specializing in in-home posed newborn photography for over 18 years. A mother of four, she spends much of her time supporting her children in their activities and sporting events, while also enjoying opportunities to travel. Angi is deeply passionate about her volunteer work with Capturing Hope in the NICU, a cause close to her heart after her own youngest child was born early. Through her work, she strives to bring comfort and joy to families during some of their most uncertain and emotional moments.

View Angi's website

Debbie Christensen

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.

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