Advocacy for Mothers, Children and Families  in Michigan

When the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health (MCMCH) was formed in 1983, its goal was simple: to be a voice in the political process for those who too often had no voice.



Today, MCMCH empowers advocates, communities and professionals to join together and use their voices and votes to educate and inform policymakers who make laws, write regulations, and implement policies affecting the health of babies, children and their families.

Meet Our Staff 

Amy Zaagman - Executive Director

In August 2009 the Board of Directors welcomed Amy Zaagman as the new MCMCH Executive Director. Prior to joining the Council, Amy served as Associate Director of the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards. Before that, she was Chief of Staff for State Senator Beverly Hammerstrom. Amy has both bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University

Ta'Sheena Williams -
Policy Director

Ta'Sheena Williams joined MCMCH in 2024 as the Birth Equity & Maternal Health Policy Specialist, designing and conducting a research project to better understand the experiences of Black birthing individuals in Michigan.

As our new Policy Director, Williams will be working on both policy development and advocacy support.

Jennifer Gorchow - Communications Manager

Jennifer Gorchow joined the Council staff in November 2010, charged with coordinating all MCMCH communications and office management. She previously served as Director of Meetings and Membership Services for the Michigan Association of Planning, and coordinated educational programs for the Michigan Townships Association. Jennifer spent several years working as a newspaper reporter after earning her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University.

Our Guiding Principles

  • Believes assuring the health of every woman, child and family is essential to the future quality of life in Michigan.
  • Considers early and sustained prevention and intervention to assure the health of every family is a cost effective policy.
  • Understands that the health needs of women, children and families are intertwined with their social, emotional, financial and educational needs, and that comprehensive policies are necessary to affect and assure change.
  • Advocates for public policy at the national, state and local levels, but does not provide services, nor does it advocate on behalf of policy intended only to benefit individual members of the Council.
  • Participates in coalitions with other organizational and individual advocates and a variety of public and private stakeholders.
  • Believes assuring the health of every woman, child and family is essential to the future quality of life in Michigan.
  • Considers early and sustained prevention and intervention to assure the health of every family is a cost effective policy.
  • Understands that the health needs of women, children and families are intertwined with their social, emotional, financial and educational needs, and that comprehensive policies are necessary to affect and assure change.
  • Advocates for public policy at the national, state and local levels, but does not provide services, nor does it advocate on behalf of policy intended only to benefit individual members of the Council.
  • Participates in coalitions with other organizational and individual advocates and a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Get in Touch

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