We are Ruckabye Baby, a non-profit organization formed in North Carolina and registered federally out of Texas.
Our mission is to provide baby carriers to wounded military members of all branches who have been injured in service to our nation, thereby giving them an extra tool to comfort, bond with, and care for their small children. Our intent is to not only get the carriers out to service members and their spouses, but to teach them (whether in person or via video conference) how to use the carrier correctly and to work with their care team where appropriate to help the injured service member thrive in this new avenue of parenting.
We have a staff of eight, comprised of an occupational therapist, personal trainers, yoga instructors, dance teachers, and experienced, educated babywearers. We are current active duty soldiers, military veterans, and military spouses. We are united by our dedication to this cause.
Background Story
Our project began when a dear friend, a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, was severely wounded in an IED explosion. As he slowly learned to function with the loss of both arms and both legs, he realized that the devastating effects of his injuries were farther reaching than the immediate physical concerns; the accident had cost him the ability to hold his 9 month old baby. Our founder responded by buying him a baby carrier, which provided him with a safe and comfortable way to hold and bond with his daughter. In addition, it enabled his wife to carry their daughter while still being able to tend to her husband’s increased needs. After helping him, we realized that he couldn’t be the only soldier with this need and Ruckabye Baby was born.
Board of Directors
President – Chelsea Carey is the mama of two amazing little boys and the proud wife of an American soldier currently serving in the Army. Babywearing is one of the resources that really got her through her husband’s third deployment to Afghanistan. After volunteering with a local babywearing group as an instructor, she realized that giving others access to safe and comfortable carriers could help many people. The idea for Ruckabye Baby was born after a family friend was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan and came home unable to hold his baby. She is very proud to be working with such an amazing team, and to see this idea come to fruition and help those who fight for us and sacrifice so much.
Vice President – Ashley Barnett is the wife of a veteran and a veteran herself. She is also the proud babywearing mama of three boys. She helped found this organization because she believes strongly that nothing should stand in the way of a willing parent bonding with their young child. So many American children have lost a parent to the wars we’ve fought as a nation, and the surviving service members and their children deserve so much more than our gratitude.
Treasurer – Justine Laurie is the mom of one very sweet little girl, wife of a US Army EOD Technician, and a CPA serving as Ruckabye Baby’s treasurer. Babywearing has been indispensable in helping manage her busy life while keeping her little one close, and becoming involved with this organization was a clear choice for her. Holding one’s child close is something with which no parent should have to struggle, and to be able to afford that ability to an injured military member or veteran is nothing short of amazing!
Secretary & Web/Graphics Guru – Sarah DaSilva is a professional web and graphic designer, wife to an active duty soldier, and mother to an amazing little boy. Babywearing has been a lifesaver to her personally, helping her to juggle a home and a freelance career all while giving her son the care and attention he needs and deserves. She became involved with Ruckabye Baby because she believes that all parents should be able to bond and care for their babies in this amazing way, regardless of any injury or loss sustained fighting for our country.
Occupational Therapist – Dauphine Sisk is, first and foremost, a wife and mother. Her husband serves in the Army and her little one is almost 2. She has been an Occupational Therapist since 2005 and received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OT) from Washington University in St. Louis. In her practice, she primarily works with children with special needs through various contracts in the community. An OT’s role is to help a person be as functional and successful as possible in their daily routines. Babywearing brought her greater success in her role as a parent and she currently uses her background in rehabilitation and babywearing to help the soldiers we serve.
Dauphine P. Sisk-Wambles OTD, OTR/L, RYT
Occupational Therapist
NC LIC#6074
RuckabyeBaby 