My name is Alexa and I am one of the newest interns at the Michigan League for Public Policy. I look forward to this exciting opportunity to work with the amazing staff here and gain experience in state policy as well as advocate for the people—and kids—of Michigan.
I am currently an undergraduate student in my final semester at James Madison College of Michigan State University, where I am studying International Relations and Spanish. I have a strong interest in the international community and how the world is changing how different cultures interact with one another; in the U.S, this is rooted in individual states. Not only the state, but how the state government interacts with the community, especially children. Children are our future and if we don’t put more resources into them, there will be no growth for the overall community in the seemingly near future.
I am excited for the opportunity to help advocate for children that are too young to have their voices heard, particularly in education and education reforms, which are essential parts of life. The education I have received throughout my life has shaped me into the person I am today, in and out of the classroom. But, unfortunately, not everyone is given the same opportunity. Educational opportunities for youth of color in underdeveloped areas is extremely lacking and if all students don’t get that essential knowledge and experience, then Michigan is sending a clear message about its values and the state will not thrive.
My educational experience hasn’t always been the easiest, but it is one that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I am very grateful for the opportunities that have arisen from it. I’ve learned how to make my voice heard even though I am often soft-spoken, and I have gained the ability to analyze detailed text, think critically and formulate an unbiased argument. All of this is not only beneficial for education, but is essential to succeeding in everyday life. What I have learned throughout my education is that not only do I have a say, but I have the ability to advocate for those without equal opportunity.
Additionally, throughout my professional experience I have been focused on youth and youth development in education, a topic that I am passionate about. During an internship that I had last summer, I had the chance to work with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that advocated and supplied resources to youth in underdeveloped nations, providing the backing they needed to succeed. With my background in Spanish, I hope to be able to advocate for a community that not only struggles with a lack of educational opportunity, but also the inability to communicate effectively with people around them.
My prior experience, along with everything I’ve learned throughout my education and life, will help me excel in my work here with the Kids Count in Michigan project. I hope to bring a different perspective to the table and not only offer valuable insight on how the state and individual communities can help raise awareness, but help develop and promote policy solutions on how to get kids learning in and out of the classroom. Without youth, there is no future; the change of our world starts with the kids who will grow to be the leaders of tomorrow. After all, the best gift someone can give is the ability to receive an education—which every kid should be able to benefit from.
— Alexa Krout
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.
Jacob Kaplan 
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. 
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.
Donald Stuckey 
Patrick Schaefer
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
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.
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.
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.
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
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.
