The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 AMCHP Annual Awards. The awards were presented at the 2025 AMCHP Annual Conference, held March 15-18 in Washington, DC. View the acceptance remarks. Recipients of the 2025 AMCHP Annual Awards include:
John C. MacQueen Lecture Award
For innovation in the field of maternal and child health (MCH)
Xaviera Bell, MS, PFP, cHET, CD, CLE
After the loss of her son Xander, Xaviera (Zay) Bell became a passionate advocate for maternal health. She is the creator and founder of the impactful nonprofits Zeal of Xander, Inc. and The Black Birth Collective. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, she is dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by black women and families in her community. Zay holds a Master of Science and has also completed specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). In addition to her full spectrum and community-based doula certifications, Zay is also a certified life coach with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This combination of skills enables her to provide holistic support, addressing not only the physical aspects of maternal health but also the emotional and mental well-being of her clients.
Zay is the creator of the first Black infant mortality anthology in the United States. Together, under her organization and leadership, 31 Black women with lived and/or professional experience published this great resource for Black communities that are affected by infant loss. She is also a TEDx speaker and is committed to improving maternal health through every single platform possible. Through Zeal of Xander, Inc., she works tirelessly to empower and uplift women and families, providing resources, education, and support to those in need. Her nonprofit aims to bridge the gaps in access to quality healthcare, advocating for equitable and inclusive maternal health services.
As the founder of The Black Birth Collective in Jacksonville, Florida, Zay has received multiple proclamations from the city. Through working with community-based organizations, institutions of higher learning, and healthcare plans within the municipality work she is dedicated to addressing the disparities faced by Black women in maternal health outcomes. She strives to provide culturally competent care, education, and advocacy to empower Black women and families throughout their reproductive journey. With her PMADs training, Zay is well-equipped to support individuals and families who may be experiencing perinatal mood disorders. She offers a safe and non-judgmental space for healing, providing guidance and resources to navigate the complex emotions and challenges that arise during this vulnerable time.
Zay is honored to serve her community and make a positive impact on the lives of women and families. Through her dedication, expertise, and the nonprofit she has founded, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals during their maternal health journey.
Excellence in State MCH Leadership Award
For an outstanding state MCH professional whose career has made significant contributions to the health of women, children, and families in his or her state
Shelly Choo, MD, MPH
Dr. Shelly Choo serves as Director of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Maryland Department of Health where she has been a champion for families of the state of Maryland over the last 10 years.
During her time as Senior Medical Advisor for the B’More Healthy Babies Initiative, Dr. Choo led infant sleep training for families, and she managed provider outreach efforts to ensure clinicians caring for families and babies in the area had access to B’More Healthy Babies resources, contributing to a 32% decline in infant death in Baltimore City. As Chief Medical Officer for the Baltimore City Health Department, she led multiple population health initiatives, such as the Accountable Health Communities Initiatives (AHC) and the Levels of Care for Baltimore City Hospitals to Respond to the Opioid Epidemic. After Dr. Choo’s incredible work with the Baltimore City community, she began work as the Director of the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) at the Maryland Department of Health. In her current role, her expertise and vision have extended to families across Maryland, where she manages multiple essential services such as the Maryland Title V program, Family Planning, Women, Infants, and Children initiatives (WIC), and home visiting.
Dr. Choo has been saving lives in Baltimore City and across Maryland for nearly a decade, leading to recognition as a 2023 40 under 40 in Public Health by the de Beaumont Foundation. Her work impacts families and communities in all life stages, and her thoughtful and evidence-based approaches have increased community access to resources and knowledge.
Vince Hutchins Leadership Award
For leadership in promoting a society responsive to the needs of women, children, youth, and families
Sabina Khan, PhD, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Sabina Khan is a dedicated women’s health researcher, author, and Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Miami, Florida. Her work focuses on maternal health, trauma-informed care, and the intersection of occupational therapy and women’s health. An advocate for equitable healthcare, Dr. Khan actively contributes to research, education, and policy discussions to improve health outcomes for women and marginalized populations. Her contributions extend beyond academia through her published works and community engagement, empowering practitioners and the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Merle McPherson Family Leadership Award
For exemplary contributions to further family/professional collaboration within the state Title V program and AMCHP
Timothy Markle, MC, MCS
Timothy (Tim) Markle is the father of two young adults with special needs, Hunter and Sami. He has been married to Tracy for over 29 years. Tim, Tracy, and Hunter live together in Stoughton, Wisconsin, while Sami attends graduate school in Michigan. Tim received a Bachelor of Psychology from Bowling Green State University, a Master of Counseling from John Carroll University, and a Master of Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
In 2009, Tim was hired by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center to work on a Wisconsin State Implementation Grant for Improving Services for Children and Youth with ASD awarded by MCHB/HRSA to the Waisman Center and the Wisconsin Title V Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) program. As part of the work, Tim led teams across Wisconsin to populate a statewide database with Autism and Developmental Disability resources, helped lead a statewide Community of Practice, and was editor for a family-developed Navigation Guide. The Community of Practice continues to meet, and the Navigation Guide stays updated and has been translated into Spanish.
After the grant ended, Tim continued to be contracted part-time to the CYSHCN program, working on updating the state’s Newborn Screening Program, supporting the Genetics Hub, and providing assistance to Wisconsin’s five CYSHCN Resource Centers and other network partners. He also worked with the Waisman Center Clinics on ways to decrease waiting lists and increase family support. Tim moved full-time to the Waisman Center to become the Director of the Children’s Resource Center-South funded by the Title V CYSHCN program. He was also Family Discipline Coordinator for the Wisconsin Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), an interdisciplinary Maternal and Child Health Bureau funded training program.
Currently, Tim works with the LEND program as Transition Faculty for their Transition Consultation program. He is also an Outreach Program Manager for the Children’s Resource Center South. His main focus as Director of the Wisconsin Youth Health Transition Initiative, funded by the state CYSHCN program, is partnering with internal and external partners to improve successful transition to adulthood for young adults with special health care needs. He works with a state and national team to increase the integration of health care transition goals into transition Individualized Education Plans. Outside of work, Tim is the founder of the Forgiveness Factor, which is dedicated to helping teach people how to forgive in an unforgiving world.
Ryan Colburn Scholarship Award
For a young adult who identifies as having complex health care needs or disabilities to attend the AMCHP Annual Conference, grow as a leader in MCH, and continue to honor Ryan’s legacy
Rene Lambert
Born and raised on the island of Jamaica, Rene migrated to the United States of America at 17 years old. Rene was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the time of her birth, however, her diagnosis with CP has never stopped her from achieving her academic pursuits, from elementary school up to high school and college. She graduated from Manchester High School in the State of Connecticut in 2019. Rene recently completed an associate’s degree at Manchester Community College and plans on pursuing studies in psychology and journalism as she continues her college journey. She has always strived to maintain high grades throughout her academic journey. Rene enjoys writing, reading, listening to music, and socializing with her community at school, church, and other places of social engagement. Rene, like any other young person, very much enjoys getting into fun-filled shenanigans and mischief. Writing has been a tool to help her express herself as she matured throughout adolescence. It has always been Rene’s dream to tell her own story as she is in the process of publishing her memoir, Uphill Climb – Cerebral Palsy Adventures, at only 25 years old.
Rene is a member of the Connecticut (CT) Persons with Disabilities Council, CT Kids as Self Advocates (KASA), and she is also a member of BlessBackJamdown Missions. This is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to assist underserved communities in her home country, Jamaica. As the years progress, Rene continues to stay grounded in character and strives for excellence.
Emerging MCH Professional Award
For outstanding state or local MCH professionals under age 45 whose work has made substantial contributions to their state’s MCH program, their state’s MCH outcomes, or made other significant contributions to promoting and protecting the health of women, children, and families in their state
Region I – Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut
Haita Ndimbalan, MPH
Haita Ndimbalan is a passionate public health professional, an advocate for health equity, and a proud alumna of Providence College and Emory University. After earning her Master of Public Health from Emory University, Haita began working for the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) in 2022. As a Rhode Island native, it was important to her to give back to her community and take part in the work that creates better health outcomes for all Rhode Islanders. She specializes in maternal and child health, overseeing federal grant initiatives in her state. Her most recent work has been involved in the Maternal Health Innovation grant, a federal grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. As part of this grant, Haita oversees the Rhode Island Maternal Health Taskforce and the development and implementation of the Rhode Island Maternal Health Strategic Plan alongside Taskforce members and other RIDOH teams.
Haita is passionate about her work as it allows her to help address health disparities and improve health outcomes for all Rhode Islanders, including some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. As a part of her dedication to the advancement of public health, Haita also serves as a board member for the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health Alumni Board. As a board member, Haita is committed to promoting engagement across the alumni network and engaging fellow alumni to promote better health within the communities they live in. Outside of work, Haita loves to travel and learn about new cultures. Some of her travels include her enrollment in the International Honors Program hosted by the School of International Training, where she traveled across India, South Africa, and Brazil, learning about health and community.
Region II – New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Dorothy Reed, MA
Dorothy (Dee) Reed serves the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Coordinator and supports efforts relating to New Jersey’s MIECHV Program. Dee is also responsible for performing pre- and post-award programmatic components of the state’s public health programs. In addition to the MIECHV Program, Dee oversees the New Jersey Doula Learning Collaborative, the Midwifery Education Program and the Stillbirth Awareness & Prevention Campaign. Prior to joining the New Jersey Department of Health, Dee was the Global Giving Lead for the philanthropic arm of a global health service company. Dee has over 18 years of successful experience in social impact philanthropy with a master’s degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Drexel University.
Region III – Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia
Olivia Washington and Alana Harris
Olivia Washington and Alana Harris are Youth Advisors at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Olivia is an undergraduate student studying applied psychology and sociology with a minor in health sciences. Alana is a master’s student studying Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. Jointly, their principal role has been co-leading the VDH Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a departmental initiative to empower more youth in public health. In two years, the YAC has grown to encompass well over 100 youth members across more than 30 counties, making it the largest Youth Advisory Council in Virginia.
Region IV – Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi
Julie Traylor
Julie Traylor is the Director of Strategic Development for the Division of Family Health and Wellness at the Tennessee Department of Health, where she focuses on developing and implementing division-wide strategic initiatives. She came to the department as a Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Applied Epidemiology Fellow in 2013 and led the completion of the 2015 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant needs assessment. Following the fellowship, she spent 6 years as the MCH Block and State System Development Initiative (SSDI) Grants Coordinator, leading the assessment, planning, implementing, and reporting of grant activities. She now leads two teams: one focused on MCH programmatic and informatics projects and another supporting staff recruitment, development, and retention. Julie has been a member of AMCHP since 2014. Over the past ten years, she has served on numerous association committees, including MCH Innovations, Workforce and Leadership, and the Annual Conference Planning Committee. She holds a Master of Public Health concentrating in epidemiology from Georgia Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Health Education from Georgia College and State University.
Region V – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Hallie Kerr, MPH, LMT
Hallie Kerr serves as the Coordinator for Ohio’s Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Committee at the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Health in Population Health Management and Leadership from Ohio State University. Her previous experience includes maternal wellness project management, early childhood research, and home visiting. She is deeply invested in eliminating health inequities and improving the health, wellness, and birthing experiences for all women and birthing people.
Region VII – Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
Monica Goedken, MPA
Monica Goedken is the Violence Prevention Coordinator and Rape Prevention and Education Program Director with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this role, she oversees state and federal programs while building violence prevention infrastructure alongside prevention partners. She provides training and technical assistance from the public health approach that improves public health and medical systems’ response to survivors of intimate partner, sexual violence, and exploitation. She admires her team and each person she meets working to advance the health and safety of our communities.
Over her 17 years in victim services and public health, she has served on advisory groups, councils, workgroups, and task forces for advancing the safety and health of survivors of violence and their families. She has been involved in the Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team, Maternal Mortality Review Committee, Iowa Abuse in Later Life CCR, Home Visiting Advisory Group, Sexual Assault Forensic Advisory Committee, Futures without Violence Project Catalyst, Dependent Adult Protective Advisory Council, Quarterly Leadership Institute, Domestic/Sexual Violence Prevention Advisory Committee, Violence Prevention Report – Data Steering Committee, Safe & Thriving Youth Coalition of Central Iowa, Maternal Health Strategic Planning, Maternal & Child Health Advisory Group, PRAMS, and Advisory Council on Brain Injury. She feels it is a joy and honor to be a part of the solutions and to build connections with others.
Prior to being at Iowa HHS, Monica was with the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she was a Training and Program Development Specialist and the Housing and Economic Justice Advocacy Today AmeriCorps Program Director. She provided victim advocate certification training, support to volunteer coordinators, expert witness testimony, facilitated Seeking Safety with survivors who were experiencing incarceration, hosted a Speakers Bureau, trained emergency shelters on trauma-informed organizational practices, co-hosted support group for survivors with HIV, training to law enforcement at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, was involved in public health initiatives, received training from national violence prevention organizations, and provided technical assistance to victim advocates across the state.
Monica started her career at the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support where she was the Volunteer Coordinator, Domestic Abuse Advocate, Sexual Abuse Advocate, and Emergency Shelter Advocate. She was a member of the Story County Sexual Assault Response Team, facilitated sexual assault support groups, board member of the Volunteer Center of Story County, Co-chair for the Story County Human Services Council, and worked directly with survivors in emergency shelters, criminal legal settings, medical settings, and campus settings. One of her favorite projects she created was called “Creative Coping,” an art and crafting support group for survivors of violence. During this time, she also provided respite care to children with intellectual and cognitive disabilities and was a substitute teacher for Head Start.
Region VIII – Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah
Michele Coates, MAEd
Michele Coates is an Early Childhood Systems Specialist in the Maternal Child Health Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). She is a member of the Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN) team with over 30 years of experience working with and serving young children and their families in early intervention, early childhood, and maternal child health systems at both the state and community levels.
Michele has been an educator, trainer, provider, program administrator, and child and family advocate. She is passionate about supporting equitable access to services and supports through innovative system change and collaborative and inclusive partnership building between educational, community, child, and family systems. Michele holds a Master of Education with an emphasis in child and family studies.
Region IX – Nevada, California, Arizona, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Island, and Palau)
Renzymeir Baloran, MPH
Renzymeir (Renzy) Baloran is the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Coordinator for the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH). She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Master of Public Health program, specializing in Health Policy and Management. In her graduate studies, Renzy’s interest was in maternal and child health, which is what led her to her career exploration in DOH’s Family Health Services Division. During her graduate studies, Renzy worked as a care coordinator for the Hawaii CARES Isolation Quarantine Line, assisting with triaging those who tested positive/exposed to COVID into temporary housing. Renzy also worked in her Kalihi community as a tutor in her alma mater and a medical assistant. As a Filipino Immigrant raised in Kalihi, Hawaii, Renzy draws from her understanding and love for her community to shape and steer her overarching goals in public health.
During her free time, Renzy is often with her family, friends, and her dogs and cats. She loves trying different hobbies, including calligraphy, digital art, photography, cooking, and baking. You can also find Renzy trying new food at local restaurants or having a picnic and playing pickleball at the local park.
Eden Sun, MPH
Eden Sun is the Program Specialist for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) program at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (HDOH). She recently earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, specializing in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences. Her focus during her graduate program and her current position has been on supporting the health and well-being of the youngest members of the community and their families. As an early career professional, she is excited to continually learn and collaborate with those in her community. Besides her education in public health and before working at HDOH, Eden also worked as a community health worker at the Native Hawaiian Health Care System on ʻOahu island. In her free time, Eden likes to spend time with her friends and family, play golf, and try new places to eat.
Region X – Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska
Jennifer Liposchak
Jennifer Liposchak is the Perinatal, Infant, and Child Health Program Manager for the Idaho Maternal and Child Health Program, where she has been a dedicated leader in improving maternal and infant health outcomes across the state. Jennifer’s passion for public health began during her time as a peer-to-peer educator with Vandal Health Education while attending the University of Idaho. After graduating in 2013, she gained valuable experience working at a local public health office before joining the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health in 2018. Over the years, Jennifer has worked in various public health programs, including tobacco prevention, immunizations, and adolescent pregnancy prevention and reproductive health. Since joining the Idaho Maternal and Child Program in 2021, Jennifer has coordinated several key initiatives, including Idaho’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the establishment of the state’s Perinatal Quality Collaborative. She continues to oversee the Collaborative and is dedicated to advancing its mission of improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Idaho.
In addition to her professional dedication, Jennifer is a proud mother of two young children — her 4-year-old and 8-month-old. Her personal experiences as a mother have deepened her commitment to improving maternal and infant health in Idaho, ensuring that every mother and child has access to the care and support they need to thrive.
Community Partnership Award
For an exemplary collaboration between Title V entities and community-based organizations
Kansas Birth Justice Society
The Kansas Birth Justice Society (KBJS) works to eliminate racial and systemic inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes through systems advocacy, grassroots organizing, direct support, and innovative community-driven solutions. By cultivating a diverse workforce of community-based birth workers, providing culturally responsive care, and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in systemic reform, KBJS strives to ensure all families have access to the care and resources they need. KBJS’s initiatives include doula training and scholarships, mutual aid programs, health education, voter engagement, and innovative spaces like the Matrescence Center and Liberation Place to foster wellness, joy, and connection. Together, KBJS is transforming the future of reproductive health in Kansas.
Innovation Hub Awards
Innovation Hub Awards recognize exceptional programs in the MCH Innovations Database that have demonstrated a positive difference in the MCH field
Innovation Hub Best Practice Award
For the highest-scoring practice in the MCH Innovations Database of the past year
PA Safe Sleep Program
This practice developed at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania aims to increase health care providers’ and childbearing families’ awareness of infant safe sleep practices during the first year of life with consistent branding and repetitive messages across the entire program.
Practice Contact: Bonnie Renner Ohnishi, BSN, RNC-MNN; bohnishi@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Innovation Hub Empowerment and Partnership Award
For a practice in the MCH Innovations Database that demonstrates the greatest contribution to meaningful empowerment and partnership
Youth Advisory Board Toolkit
The Youth Advisory Board toolkit was developed at the Indiana Department of Health with the goal of amplifying youth voices when it comes to health needs and empowering them to educate, change, and lead.
Practice Contact: Kate Schedel, kschedel@gmail.com
Innovation Hub Community Wellness Impact Award
For the practice in the MCH Innovations Database that demonstrates the strongest impact of eliminating barriers to and supporting the health and wellness of a community
Healthy Beginnings at Home, by the Indiana University School of Medicine
Healthy Beginnings at Home is a transitional housing program that provides support to Pregnant women in Marion County, Indiana. By providing stable housing, the program works to increase positive health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Practice Contact: Paige Klemme, Ph.D., LSW; pklemme@iu.edu
