The Maine Children’s Alliance (MCA) is pleased to welcome new staff members: Research and KIDS COUNT Associate, Helen Hemminger, and Communications and Outreach Assistant, Melissa Hackett.
“With Melissa and Helen on board, we are able to coordinate greater outreach efforts and ensure that we are the data source for making sound policy decisions for kids and families in Maine,” said MCA’s executive director, Claire Berkowitz. “We hope you will join us in welcoming them!”
Helen Hemminger brings extensive experience in data analysis and health research to MCA. For the last seven years, she was the quality reporting manager for Kepro, formerly called APS Healthcare. While there, she collected and analyzed authorization data for behavioral health services funded by MaineCare. She worked with the Department of Health and Human Services to use this data to develop quality indicators for child and adult services. Prior to that, she was a research associate at the Muskie School for Public Service. Her skill set includes using geographic information systems (GIS) to map areas of disparity. Before becoming a researcher, Helen worked in non-profit management, including eleven years as Executive Director of the Tedford Shelter in Brunswick. Helen has a B.A. in Math-Social Sciences from Dartmouth College, and a Master’s in Health and Human Services Management from Brandeis University, as well as certificates in GIS and Applied Research and Evaluation from the University of Southern Maine. Helen is passionate about using data to improve the quality and effectiveness of services.
Melissa Hackett most recently worked as special projects assistant with the Maine Democratic Party, providing coordination and outreach for municipal caucuses, petition circulation, and training for those interested in running for local office. Prior to that she worked as a library sales consultant at Thorndike Press, where she collaborated with librarians across the country to build their print collections. With a B.A. in English from the University of Maine at Farmington, Melissa comes to this position with extensive experience communicating, messaging, and organizing, particularly through social media and written communications. As a mother, Melissa is passionate about working to ensure that Maine is the best place it can be for her son, as well as all Maine children and families.