We are champions for all children, promoting programs and resources informed by science that enable kids, families, and entire communities to thrive—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
Our dedicated team works hard every day to prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens. Collectively, we create, interpret, and distribute innovative research on new and existing child abuse prevention solutions and develop a wide range of valuable tools for parents and caregivers. We also advocate for meaningful change at the national, state, and local levels and raise awareness of supportive programs that help children and families in communities across the country. Learn more about us below:
Mission
To prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children
Vision
We envision a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.
History
Go to the Our History page to learn more about our founder, Donna J. Stone, and her legacy, which has continued for nearly 50 years.
Our Team
In addition to learning more about our talented and dedicated team below, you can meet our Healthy Families America team members by visiting this page.
Melissa T. Merrick, PhD
President and CEO
Sue Anderson
Executive Assistant to President & CEO
Alina Birenyte
Senior Staff Accountant
Kelly Christopher
Chief Development Officer
Kelly Crane
State Policy Specialist
Jennifer Jones
Chief Strategy Officer
Bart Klika
Chief Research Officer
Paula Mattison
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kelsey Melvin
Development Manager
Marissa Morabito
Chief Government Affairs & Policy Officer
Catherine Murphy
Research and Data Specialist
Charles Mutscheller
Chief Communications Officer
Anita Odom
Chief Operations Officer for Chapters
Olivia Padilla
Marketing & Communications Associate
Sue Pence
Finance Consultant
Rob Reid
Data Warehouse Manager
David Simon
Federal and State Policy Deputy
Kathleen Strader
Healthy Families America National Director
Karly Zucker
Chapter Network Coordinator
Our Board of Directors
Matt Walch
Board Chair
Bob Mayo
Co-Vice Chair
Bruce Perry, MD, PhD
Co-Vice Chair
Victoria Dudley
Treasurer
Mariano Sori, CPA, JD
Secretary
Andrea Robertson
Immediate Past Chair
Melissa T. Merrick, PhD
President and CEO
Maura Somers Dughi
Lifetime Member
SuEllen Fried
Lifetime Member
James Mercy, PhD
CDC Liaison to the Prevent Child Abuse America Board of Directors
