Barbara Reyna

Barbara Reyna is a Clinical Professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, specializing in neonatology. She teaches in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care (PNP-AC) tracks, established in 2016. With over 40 years of clinical experience in NICUs since 1982 and teaching since 1995, her expertise spans neonatal care, breastfeeding, and mother-infant interaction. Dr. Reyna holds a BSN from Binghamton University, an NNP certificate from West Virginia University, and an MSN/PhD from VCU.

Her research, conducted with Rita Pickler, focuses on neonatal feeding readiness, earning her co-investigator roles on two NIH R01 grants. Notable contributions include studies on donor human milk usage and strategies to improve breastfeeding in diverse populations. Awards include VCU’s 'Outstanding Nurse Alumnus Award' and a March of Dimes 'Nurse of the Year Award' finalist nomination (2015).

Dr. Reyna’s work emphasizes developmental care, maternal-infant bonding, and pandemic impacts on neonatal care. She remains clinically active in Richmond and contributes to professional organizations like the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau.