The faces behind the Milk Bank: Sheena Ragoo

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank? Each team member plays a vital role in making sure that every drop of milk we pasteurize meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Sheena Ragoo is the production supervisor at the Milk Bank and has been with us since we first opened in 2013. Sheena works closely with the lab team to make sure that donor milk is carefully received, processed and safely stored. You can think of Sheena as the quarterback of the Milk Bank. Her role touches all aspects of production, from overseeing complex operations to supporting our team and making sure every preterm infant gets the nourishment they need to thrive. If you have ever donated milk to the Milk Bank, chances are you have interacted with Sheena.

With a passion for helping others and a drive to turn donor milk into life-saving medicine, Sheena leads our team with heart. We spoke with her to learn more about what it’s like to work in her role at the Milk Bank.

What does a typical day look like for you as the production supervisor at the Milk Bank?

A typical day in my role includes managing staff, coordinating the shipment of donor milk from donors, liaising with recipient hospitals and troubleshooting equipment as needed to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

What inspired you to pursue a career in milk banking?

My interest in milk banking began when I saw firsthand how critical donor milk can be for fragile and preterm infants while working in the Milk Preparation room at Mount Sinai Hospital. This is when I became aware of the challenges families face in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I had the opportunity to assist with the opening of the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank, where I started as the very first diet technician. Then, when I learned about the role of milk banks in bridging the gap for infants who do not have access to their parent’s milk, I felt compelled to be part of that mission.

In your current role, what is an accomplishment you are most proud of or a memorable experience you can share?

Something I am very proud of is being able to curate a high-performing production team and consistently motivating staff at the Milk Bank by emphasizing the importance of our work in supporting the most vulnerable population.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your role?

The most challenging aspect of my role is coordinating timely milk collection from donors. This can be logistically complex, especially when demand fluctuates. The most rewarding part is knowing that the milk we provide can make a critical difference for vulnerable infants. This is especially true for preterm or medically fragile babies who rely on donor milk for nutrition and survival.

What continuously motivates me is to focus on the positive impact of our work and the families we serve. Remembering that every donation and every bottle of milk may save a life helps me push through the difficult times.

You have been with the Milk Bank from the very beginning. What changes or innovations have you seen since you started in this role?

Since the inception of the Milk Bank, I have had the privilege of being part of its development and operations. Over time, I have seen major improvements in our processes, especially with the introduction of a semi-automated dispensing system. This advancement allows us to fill each bottle of milk without manually pouring, increasing our efficiency and workflow. It has improved ergonomics for staff by reducing the manual handling that can cause physical strain.

Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about advancements in pasteurization techniques. Furthermore, the ongoing shift toward digitalization in milk banking operations holds great potential for enhancing data management and overall workflow, making the entire process more streamlined and reliable.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? What is a fun fact about you that others might not know?

Outside of work, I love visiting flower markets in the summer and learning about different types of flowers. I also enjoy seeing my favourite DJs when they’re in town, as music is a big part of how I unwind.

A fun fact about me that others might not know is that I grew up in a Caribbean paradise, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. To reach my home, you’d drive through the forest for a full hour, feeling immersed in nature and the wild right outside the window.

The Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank values the hard work and skill of everyone who helps supply hospitals with donor milk. The dedication, care and teamwork of team members like Sheena make a real difference for vulnerable infants and their families across Ontario and the East Coast.