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
Juanita Arnold
Healthy Families America State Systems Development Specialist
Kathy Astin
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Christa Austin
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Jennifer Baxter
Healthy Families America Data & Site Development Specialist
Andy Berkhout
Quality Improvement Data Analyst
Alina Birenyte
Controller
Kelly Christopher
Chief Development Officer
Kelly Crane
State Policy Specialist
Gelasia Croom
Chief Communications Officer
Shameka Erby
Healthy Families America Operations Coordinator
Amy Faugas
Healthy Families America Deputy Director
Kerrie Green
Healthy Families America Learning Management Director
Karen Guskin
Managing Director of Healthy Families America Research
Kathryn Harding
Healthy Families America Senior Director of Research
Jennifer Jones
Chief Strategy Officer
Tomeaka Jupiter
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Bart Klika
Chief Research Officer
Lynn Kosanovich
Healthy Families America Master Trainer
Leah McCallister
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Phyllis Medrano
Healthy Families America Network Support Coordinator
Lara Melnik
Giving Officer
Kelsey Melvin
Development Manager
Yomaira Molina
Healthy Families America Operations Coordinator
Catherine Murphy
Research and Data Specialist
Anita Odom
Chief Operations Officer for Chapters
Kit Patterson
Healthy Families America Senior Director of Training & TA
Christi Peeples
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Sue Pence
Finance Consultant
Rob Reid
Data Warehouse Manager
Lenny Rivota
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Danita Roberts
Healthy Families America Training & TA Specialist
Diana Sanchez
Healthy Families America Site Development Specialist
Laura Shoaf
Healthy Families America Master Trainer
Kathleen Strader
Healthy Families America National Director
Lynn Tiede
Healthy Families America Public Policy Deputy
Natalie Towns
Federal Policy Specialist
Kerrie Trebonsky
Chief Financial Officer
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
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
