FOR almost 16 years Nellie Fullerton was known throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica by the famous pseudonym Marge Roper, which she pioneered as a counsellor with the National Family Planning Board (NFPB) focusing on sexual and reproductive health, primarily among pregnant teenage girls.

Fullerton, who subsequently migrated to the United States and is currently residing in Connecticut, continued her work with pregnant families as a registered midwife, newborn care specialist, and certified health educator, but found a way to combine that with nutrition as a natural health consultant.

As she travelled from state to state she came up with ideas to create recipes for families with different nutritional needs by applying the Jamaican and Caribbean way of cooking with herbs. Her Jamaican jerk chicken was especially delightful.

Her approach quickly became a hit with the families, especially mothers and children, and the cookbook Glow Together was born as a compilation of those herbal recipes, each crafted for a particular purpose and palate.

“Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, navigating post-partum, or simply seeking balance in a busy household, this book invites you to slow down, eat beautifully, and care for your loved ones with intention,” Fullerton says.

She describes Glow Together as “more than a cookbook”.

“It is a guide to creating a home filled with vitality, love and light — because when your body feels nourished and your spirit feels supported, your whole family shines.”

Asked if she misses her role as Marge Roper working with pregnant Jamaican teens, Fullerton replies quickly: “Of course. Through the National Family Planning Board my team and I provided extensive counselling and information on family planning, family life education, relationships, parenting, contraception, and HIV/STI prevention.

Nellie Fullerton, alias Marge Roper

“I especially enjoyed the Marge Roper Rap Session which involved discussions on topics like abstinence and risky adolescent behaviour in various communities and schools across Jamaica.

“My contribution as the founder of Marge Roper and Teens still resonates. We started from Kingston at the Jubilee maternity hospital where I connected with all the pregnant teenagers, some of whom were living with abusive older men; or thrown out of their homes by their parents; or living as ‘barrel girls’ after their parents migrated, leaving them behind with grandmothers or other relatives,” bemoans Fullerton.

“I showed them compassion because it was clear they needed guidance and not condemnation. I was told that the programme is still holding strong, having been introduced to all 14 parishes. For me, it was very rewarding when I witnessed so many of my girls, young mothers, matriculating right up to university level,” Fullerton glows.

Glow Together can be purchased on Amazon and makes for an ideal holiday gift.