The National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention (National Center) is the technical support and data center serving Child Death Review (CDR) and Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) programs throughout the United States. Learn more about our role in CDR and FIMR.

The National Center is a program of the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI). MPHI’s four core values drive our work. The four values are:

  • Servant leadership: We serve the growth and wellbeing of others first
  • Health Equity and Social Justice: We seek out what is unfair and remove barriers in order to achieve full health potential
  • Authentic Relationships: We engage with integrity and transparency to build trust
  • Quality and Excellence: We deliver a standard of achievement that exceeds expectations and promotes positive change

The National Center Steering Committee was established in 2005 to assist the National Center in meeting its objectives and goals. Learn more about the Steering Committee and view current members.

Our Staff

I’m Erik, and am a Project Coordinator at Michigan Public Health Institute with four years committed to child death review (CDR) work. Using federally funded grants I work with CDR teams across the US to provide epidemiological support using the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System improving data collection and reporting for public health prevention. I have a bachelor’s in biomedical science from Central Michigan University and a master’s in public health epidemiology from Grand Valley State University. I enjoy reading and aviation.

Email: ebuczkow@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-6061

I’m Abby, and I’m the Director of the National Center. I’ve been at the National Center for seven years and before joining the staff at the National Center, I lead Wisconsin’s CDR and FIMR program for eight years. Although I work across all aspects of the National Center’s work, most of my time is spent providing technical assistance to states and collaborating with national partners. I am finishing up a doctorate degree in public health with a research focus on improving psychological safety in fatality review. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and love uncomfortable silence. Outside of work, I love to visit presidential libraries and hope to visit all of them.

Email: acollier@mphi.org
Phone: 800-656-2434

May Darwish-Yassine

Chief Program Officer
Michigan Public Health Institute

I’m Heather, and I have supported the National Center as a Senior Data Analyst since 2006. My work has focused on helping states better understand and make more effective use of the data collected during fatality reviews of infants and children to prevent future deaths. I have an advanced degree in policy analysis with undergraduate work in psychology. I am an avid soccer fan, eagerly following my favorite teams and strategizing ways to maximize points in fantasy football. I also love to be outside hiking and joining my family exploring new birding locales.

Email: hdykstra@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-7358

I’m Meghan and I am the Director of the CDC and NIH-funded Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Death in the Young Case Registry Data Coordinating Center. I have been with the Michigan Public Health Institute since 2011 and hold a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics and a Masters of Arts in Health and Risk Communication, both from Michigan State University. In my free time, I enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, and fishing the lakes and rivers of Michigan with my family.

Email: mfaulkne@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-6014

I’m Krisha and I am a Project Coordinator for the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Death in the Young Case Registry Data Coordinating Center. I came to MPHI in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Michigan State University and have since earned a Master of Public Health degree from the same institution. When I’m not working, I am either cooking, reading or spending time with family and friends.

Email: kfelzke@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-8339

I’m Rosemary, the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Director for the National Center.  I’ve been at the National Center for four years.  In addition to my clinical nursing background in NICU, Post-partum, home visiting, and Healthy Start, I’ve spent 13 years as the State FIMR Coordinator for Michigan and 5 years as the local FIMR coordinator in Saginaw, MI.  It is my privilege to spend most of my time providing technical assistance, support, and resources to local and state FIMR sites.  I hold a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and outside of work I am an avid hiker.

Email: rfournie@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-8378

I’m Gabby, a Senior Data Analyst for the National Center. In addition to my Data Team duties, I have been working on special projects around pediatric disaster mortality surveillance and a pilot project for enhanced water-related death scene investigations. I hold a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Florida and Bachelor’s in Community Health as well as Cultural Anthropology from Western Washington University. I live in the PNW and in my free time I love backpacking, soup, and rooting for my favorite sports teams.

Email: gfraley@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-8356

I’m Susanna, and I am a Senior Project Coordinator at MPHI’s National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. I joined the National Center in 2017. My work focuses on providing technical assistance to both CDR and FIMR teams, with a special focus on maternal and child health. I enjoy the opportunity to provide facilitation support to the National Center and the programs we support. I hold a Master’s in Health and Risk Communication from Michigan State University, and I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Western Michigan University. When I’m not working or doing homework, you can find me at sporting events with family or exploring the great outdoors.

Email: sjoy@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-8375

I’m Dan, the Contracts Project Coordinator for the National Center. I facilitate the execution and maintenance of Data Use Agreements with our partners and provide support to other internal projects. I have a BS in Finance from the University of Arizona, and a JD/MBA from Marquette University Law School and College of Business Administration. I enjoy spending time with my family and golfing.

Email: dlitvino@mphi.org

I’m Heather, and I’m the SDY Case Registry Senior Project Manager.  I started at CNPI in the Fall of 2013 when the SDY Data Coordinating Center was awarded to CNPI/MPHI.  Prior to working with the DCC, I worked as a cardiovascular genetic counselor in various clinical and research positions.  I earned my BA in Biology from the University of Iowa (1997),  and my MS in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University (2001).  In past lives I’ve been the Hooker for the Iowa Rugby Team and played in a basement accordion band.  My plate is currently full being a mom with some exercise on the side.

Email: hmacleodgc@gmail.com

I’m Gretchen (she/her/hers), and I serve as the Technical Assistance (TA) Manager for CDR and FIMR. As the TA Manager, I supervise the programmatic team, provide technical assistance to fatality review teams, and lead fatality review collaboration projects. Prior to joining the National Center team, I worked in child welfare for two decades and spent nine years developing and overseeing CDR, FIMR, OFR, MMR, and child death scene investigation training for the State of Indiana. I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and received my Master of Social Work from Indiana University. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, reading, and binge-watching binge-worthy television.

Email: gmartin@mphi.org

I’m Sasha (she/her/hers), a Senior Epidemiologist for the National Center. Before joining the team, I was the epidemiologist for Colorado’s CDR program for nearly 4 years. My work focuses on disseminating data using an equity lens. I received a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences in 2012 from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Public Health in 2017 from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. When not working, you can often find me hiking, camping, and kayaking in the Rocky Mountains, or baking and cross-stitching at home.

Email: smintz@mphi.org

I’m Jessica, a constituent of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama and am the Tribal Liaison for the National Center. My focus is engaging Tribes and increasing their participation in fatality review. This provides stability and the ability to build consistent relationships with Tribes and meet individualized needs. I also provide technical assistance and various support to CDR and FIMR teams. Before joining the National Center staff, I coordinated the statewide child fatality review program for the state of Arizona for over 5 years. I am an Arizona native and earned my Master’s in Public Health from Grand Canyon University in 2017. When I’m not working, I’m making memories with my two boys, going to sporting events and concerts, traveling, and love being active.

Email: jperfett@mphi.org

Hi, I’m Lauren and I am a Program Specialist with the National Center. My work focuses on internal and external communications, including newsletters, social media, and office hours. I have a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Michigan State University. My unique college experience exposed me to the importance of public health and safety, which motivated me to pursue a career of advocacy. Outside of my role with the National Center, I love to spend time outside, especially hiking and backpacking. I enjoy reading and welcome any book recommendations (or I can suggest some of my favorites).

Email: lsawyer@mphi.org

I’m Patti and I am the data systems consultant for the National Center. I lead the data quality initiative and provide epidemiology support to Center staff. I have a PhD in epidemiology and have worked with child death review programs and data for the past 25 years. My research interests are in the epidemiology and prevention of childhood injuries, including injuries related to child abuse or neglect. In my free time I love being active outside: running, bicycling, hiking, trekking, and climbing mountains.

Email: pschnitzer@outlook.com

I’m Esther, a Senior Data Analyst, and I’ve been at the National Center since 2007 providing data support and working on upgrades to the online data entry site. My education started in social work but then I got bitten by the computer bug and went back to school for my Master’s Degree in Information Science. This job is a great fit for both of these. When not at work, I enjoy traveling.

Email: eshaw@mphi.org
Phone: 517-324-7333

I’m Edege, a Senior Project Coordinator at MPHI’S National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. I joined the Center early this year 2024, my work at the Center will focus on providing support to both CDR and the Drowning projects Teams, as well as collaborating on different projects at CNPI. Prior to joining the National Center, I worked for the State of Geogia for 14 years. During the first 7 years, I worked in the capacity of a Senior Behavior Analyst, supporting the Individual with Developmental Disabilities IDD population in the hospital settings. Proving training to interdisciplinary teams in support of the special population. in 2017, I later joined the State Child Death Review team as a Program Manager, guiding and supporting local teams around the state in CDR process. Partnering with state appointed panel, and local agencies and strengthening the child death investigation protocols. In 2023, I became the state CDR Coordinator, where I collaborated, directed, and implemented policy and procedures while engaging and supporting external stakeholders. I hold a bachelor’s in psychology from the State University of Old Westbury in New York, a Training Instructor Certificate from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training Council (POST). When I am not working, I enjoy expanding my trained culinary skills, hosting family and friends. I enjoy camping, traveling, attending soccer games, and visiting with family.

Email: evales@mphi.org
Phone: 517-306-4060

For general questions, please use this contact form.

Key Funding Acknowledgment

The National Center is funded in part by Cooperative Agreement Number UG7MC28482 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) as part of an award totaling $5,149,996 annually with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.