This year we’re pleased to bring back a League tradition, our Think Tank Thanksgiving. We’ve seen some incredible policy wins over the past year, we’ve welcomed some wonderful new folks to the League, and much more. Plus, we’re so excited for what’s ahead as we continue to advocate for policies to make Michigan stronger and better than ever. Here’s what makes us feel grateful this year:
Monique Stanton, President and CEO
For Michigan, I am thankful for big policy wins this year – from expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, to providing free school lunches, to enshrining civil rights protections for the LGBTQ+ community, and so many more policy wins to make Michigan a better place. And personally, I am thankful for time spent with family and friends, especially my new son, as he begins taking his first steps, saying his first words and getting to experience the world through his eyes.
Karen Holcomb-Merrill, Chief Operating Officer
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, I have a deeper appreciation for things I once took for granted, including my family, my friends and my League family. And I am grateful to work with passionate, caring and smart people who are working every day to make Michigan a place where every person thrives and can reach their fullest potential.
Laura Ross, Communications Director
2023 has been a difficult year for my family, and I am so grateful to work for an organization that puts people first–not only in its statewide advocacy efforts but in its internal policies. The League has been incredibly supportive as we’ve navigated challenges. At the League, we know it’s vital to be there for loved ones in times of need, which is why we’re working hard to make sure Michigan adopts a statewide paid family and medical leave policy.
Mikell Frey, Communications Content Writer
I’m thankful for my new job with the League, which has allowed me to meet and work with so many hard-working and compassionate professionals who have committed themselves to fighting for policy solutions in Michigan that undo racial inequities and advance social and economic justice. I feel so lucky to be a part of the League’s amazing team and to have learned so much over the past seven months. I’m also thankful for my always-supportive and loving family—including the two sweet and hilarious kiddos who made me an auntie—and, of course, my pets!
Megan Farnsworth, Executive Assistant
2023 brings a lot for me to be thankful for but to name a few… First, these last few years have brought a lot of fear surrounding our health and I am so grateful that my family and I have our health to say we are thankful for! I am thankful for universal free school meals in Michigan for a busy mom who sometimes doesn’t have time to pack a lunch and furthermore for those whose only meals of the day come at school. I am thankful to be a part of an organization that fights for those who don’t always have a voice or an equal voice. And lastly, I am thankful to work with some awesomely dedicated colleagues who inspire me daily.
Kelli Bowers, Kids Count Data Analyst
I am thankful for the holiday season that brings with it time with family, good food, football, fuzzy sweaters and cozy weather. I am also thankful for my amazing work environment that allows for me to balance the passionate work we all do here with home life – so that I can enjoy all of the above!
Ashya Smith, Health Policy Analyst
I am grateful for God, my family, and my friends. I am also grateful to be a health policy analyst advocating for health care in Michigan.
Julie Cassidy, Senior Policy Analyst
This year, I’m especially thankful for the wide world of tea options to treat myself to as the weather gets colder; my thoughtful, creative and funny colleagues here at the League, as well as our leadership who promote the healthy work/life balance that everyone should have; and my unicorn-obsessed kid and supportive husband.
Anne Kuhnen, Kids Count Policy Director
This year, I’m grateful to have so many friends, family members and colleagues who I admire and get to learn from every day.
Simon Marshall-Shah, Senior Policy Analyst
After the past few years we have all had, I remain thankful for my health, the health of my family and friends, and for policies and advocates that ensure more people can get the health care and mental health care they deserve. Plus, I’m grateful for opportunities to rest and reflect this year — and appreciate the League providing us time to do that (including colleagues that encourage us to really log off)!
Emily Jorgensen, Digital Communications Specialist
I’m grateful to work with people who are kind, passionate, thoughtful and funny! I’m grateful for the League and all of the work we do with racial equity, and I’m grateful that the League leads by example in treating its team so well. I’m especially grateful for precious time spent with loved ones.
Alexandra Stamm, Education Policy Analyst
2023 brought a lot of legislative action, which included historic investments in Michigan’s schools. I’m thankful for the hard work of everyone who advocated for the kids in our state.
Rachel Richards, Fiscal Policy and Government Relations Director
This year, I am thankful for the tireless work of advocates and community and statewide partners who fought for (and won) policies and budget decisions that center the lives of Michigan’s people, including quintupling our state Earned Income Tax Credit! We know the work is tough and emotional but worth it in the end. I’m also grateful for those who back us up and support us in our work–like my family, friends, colleagues, and endless amounts of coffee and chocolate.
Patrick Schaefer, Economic Security Policy Analyst
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
