Meet the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Nurse Coordinators
At The Fetal Care Center of Southern California, we deal with the unexpected every day, and have helped many families make the best plan for their baby’s birth and medical care. As a partnership between UCI Health and CHOC, The Fetal Care Center of Southern California brings together experts in maternal-fetal medicine and pediatrics, so both mom and baby are cared for—no matter the diagnosis. Our team works to support families every step of the way, providing competent, compassionate care. You are never alone.
Kristy Benkert, MSN, RN
Nurse Manager
For the past 17 years, Kristy worked as a Labor and Delivery Nurse before transitioning into management and Fetal Nurse Coordinator. As the Manager of the Fetal Care Center, Kristy works to continuously develop the Fetal Care Center of Southern Orange County at CHOC and the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in partnership with the designated physician-leader. She maintains operational oversight of the Ambulatory Fetal Care Center and SDU and is accountable for the delivery of quality care, patient safety and satisfaction, staff performance and education. Kristy also assists in care coordination and delivery planning for patients with the nurse coordinators.
Kate Stanley, BSN, RN
Maternal Fetal Coordinator
As a Maternal-Fetal Coordinator, Kate Stanley is responsible for triage and assessing all referrals received from outside medical centers, offices, and internal referrals. Kate coordinates care for all patients who are receiving care in the CHOC Fetal Care Center, including ensuring communication with referring providers and pediatric specialists.
Kate Stanley has worked as an RN in Women’s Health for 25 years with 10+ of those years in Mother-Baby, GYN surgery, Labor and Delivery and 10+ years’ experience in clinical coordination and management of a Fertility Clinic.
“I believe in holistic care and building a partnership with the patient and their families. It is important to listen and value the wishes of my patients, being attentive and advocating for their needs and wants, all while communicating openly and in a timely manner. Every interaction should be done with compassion, dignity, and respect for the mother, their child, and their family; they are my top priority.”
Noren M. Popat, BSN, RN, PHN
Maternal Fetal Coordinator
As a Maternal-Fetal Coordinator, Noren Popat is responsible for triage and assessing all referrals received from outside medical centers, offices, and internal referrals. Noren coordinates care for all patients who are receiving care in the CHOC Fetal Care Center, including ensuring communication with referring providers and pediatric specialists.
As a NICU RN of 7 years, Noren has an extensive knowledge of congenital fetal anomalies, with specialized training in caring for babies who are born between 21 to 28 weeks gestation.
“I believe in whole person care, considering various human needs such as physical, emotional, and spiritual while basing every patient interaction with compassion, humility, integrity, and excellence. Here at the CHOC Fetal Care Center, we provide pregnant women with the best care possible; for them, their babies, and their families. I am passionate about caring for and supporting our pregnant women during a time where they have been given an unexpected diagnosis for their unborn child/children; seamlessly coordinating their care and providing additional support after their consultations as well.”
Melanie Maxwell, BSN, RN
Fetal Cardiology Nurse Coordinator
Melanie Maxwell graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Melanie has worked as an RN for 25 years in maternal-child health, including post-partum, lactation consultation, public health, and maternal-fetal medicine, as well as managing an MFM clinic and pediatric specialty clinic. As a Fetal Cardiology Nurse Coordinator, Melanie Maxwell works to support all aspects of care at CHOC fetal cardiology with concierge-type service- including referral triage, scheduling, physician support, patient care coordination, and newborn follow-up.
“Demonstrating optimal patient care is achieved by truly listening to the needs expressed by the patient, helping to dissolve barriers, practicing evidence-based care while collaborating with multiple disciplines, and coming to the table with genuine compassion and cultural sensitivity. Our team will be there for you every step of the way to provide comprehensive, holistic care to meet your needs.”
