Caring for expectant mothers for more than 20 years, Rosa Pacheco has become something of a “woman-whisperer.” 

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Rosa was nurtured by a large female clan. “I was surrounded by strong women who took care of their families, but also had a lot of say in things.” Now she connects with her patients, calms their fears, and educates. She can decipher family dynamics, troubleshoot barriers, sway women to show up for appointments, and if necessary, call them out— from one mother to another—to care for themselves. 

“A little spark happens when Rosa works with these women,” says Lisa Smith, a nurse manager at South Main Clinic who has worked with Rosa for 16 years. “Rosa is empathetic and kind, and she can also be frank and honest. She will say, ‘I’m telling you this because I care about you.’ The way she goes at it builds a bond and breaks down defenses.” 

When new medical assistants or student nurses join the clinic, they tag along with Rosa and learn how to make patient connections. When one of the providers senses something concerning or needs help gathering more info, Rosa can bridge the communication gaps, relying on the relationship she has built with that patient. “She is really good at collecting backstories,” Smith says. 

Often new pregnant patients come to the clinic because Rosa took care of their cousin or sister or aunt or mother. They ask specifically for Rosa, Smith says, and call her “Rosita”—a term of endearment. She sometimes joins them during their pediatric appointments to help with translation, to hold a newborn, or to walk the hall quieting a baby so the provider can finish the exam. 

“I’ve known Rosita my whole life. Coming here and seeing her is like visiting family,” says Oneyda Martinez as Rosa holds her 3-month-old son, Zaylen. Oneyda’s mother was one of Rosa’s patients 20 years ago. “All my siblings know her,” Oneyda adds. 

Rosa has cared for older mothers who thought they were in menopause, teen girls, women in unsafe relationships or unsheltered, women experiencing postpartum depression, and even a daughter and mother, both pregnant simultaneously. Some are pre-literate in English while others are well-educated. “It is so important to understand the circumstances behind someone,” Rosa says. “It is my job to get to know them so I can help them.” 

At one point in Rosa’s MA career, she thought she’d be limited to just coordinating care. But she refused, explaining to management that for coordination to work well, she needed to build relationships with patients. Then, they’re more likely to call back, show up, and adhere to care regimens. 

The teen girls are the toughest. “Their attitude is they are up against the world,” Rosa says. They sit with their arms crossed, push back on their moms if present. “Sometimes I just stand beside them and hold their hands during exams,” Rosa says. “They are scared.” 

When Oneyda was 18, she had her first baby. She wasn’t scared, but it was an unplanned pregnancy. Rosa was there for her, reassuring her that every child is a blessing, whether you plan for it or not. “I had so many questions,” Oneyda recalls. “She is really good at getting you into a comfort zone.” 

Rosa was drawn to this work—to these women—because she cherishes the impact she can have at such a pivotal time in their lives. “I can cry with them,” she says. “Feel their hurt. Advise them if they need a specialist and help them understand the importance of following through on their care.” 

Rosa and Michelle Debbink, MD, PhD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, facilitate a group to support and educate women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Rosa shares her own journey with the condition, dispelling myths and addressing misinformation so moms can understand the severity of it. 

“The outcomes are better for these women because the emotional support they find in each other motivates them to follow through for themselves,” Rosa says. “It is a kind of accountability,” says Rosa, who may hear from these women several times a week if they have questions or concerns. 

“I know a few things about women,” Rosa chuckles about spending her days steeped in their company. Ironically, after work, she goes home to four sons and a husband. What Rosa tries not to take home are worries about certain patients. Instead, she focuses on hope, knowing that everyone on her team wants to make a difference. 

“As a team, we will move earth and sky to help,” she says.

By Peta Owens-Liston; Photos by Laura Seitz