Founder

After experiencing secondary infertility due to life-threatening pregnancy complications, Stephanie Jones and her husband were stunned to learn that Michigan banned surrogacy contracts—their only option to grow their family. Stephanie channeled her business expertise and personal perseverance into founding the Michigan Fertility Alliance and changing Michigan’s surrogacy and parentage laws. Under her leadership, MFA is driving pro-family advocacy and policy reform to support Michiganders who need assisted reproduction or surrogacy to build their families.

In 2024, Stephanie received the RESOLVE Hope Award for Advocacy in recognition of her impactful work. She also shared her personal story of reproductive health and abortion to support the successful election of Senator Slotkin to the U.S. Senate.

Communications and Research Director

When London-based journalist Ginanne Brownell was told she had unexplained infertility, she decided to pursue surrogacy in the United States. Originally from Michigan, Ginanne and her husband hoped to work with a carrier in state but discovered that surrogacy contracts were illegal. In the end, the couple had twins via a gestational carrier in Illinois. Ginanne is the author of Elusive Mommyhood: an investigative reporter’s personal journey into IVF and surrogacy.

Leadership Committee

In October 2024, Alex passed away after a short but fierce battle with cancer. How can we possibly encapsulate the depth of Alex’s commitment to the Michigan Fertility Alliance and the infertility community? A mother through surrogacy, Alex’s devotion to championing what she knew was right went beyond words.

Please visit our blog to learn more about her incredible advocacy work.

Leadership Committee

LeAndrea Fisher, an infertility advocate and Detroit high school teacher of 25 years. She established Hope In Fertility, a ministry that serves to help the hurting and heal the broken. LeAndrea is also the founding Co-Chair of the Detroit, MI Walk of Hope; the first Michigan Walk of Hope partnership with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. LeAndrea is an active member of the Detroit Chapter of Fertility for Colored Girls.

Leadership Committee

Chelsea is a manufacturing executive, dog-mom, and infertility advocate who is persistently pursuing parenthood despite multiple rounds of IVF, failed transfers, and a miscarriage. Chelsea believes that trying to build a family in the face of infertility takes immeasurable strength, grit, and vulnerability, and she hopes to educate, advocate for, and bring levity to those on similar paths. You can follow her journey and learn about advocacy opportunities @thepersistentpineapple on Instagram.

Leadership Committee

Due to labor and delivery complications, Aubrey had to have a lifesaving hysterectomy in 2018. Her surrogacy journey began in 2020 when her sister offered to be her surrogate. Infuriated by the outdated Michigan laws, advocating for change became a top priority for Aubrey.

Leadership Committee

Laura Muysenberg's struggle to start a family has turned into a passion for reformation regarding women's health, all things infertility, and pro-family rights. She is a proud mother of a beautiful IVF baby girl and continues to navigate her infertility diagnoses. Laura has volunteered her time with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, and is excited to officially join Michigan Fertility Alliance.

Leadership Committee

Sue Johnston, the founder of the Infertility Advocate, is an author, support group leader, and advocate for all those who struggle to build their families. Sue leads monthly local and national RESOLVE support groups and a Pregnancy and Parenting After Infertility Group with Support (PAIGES). Sue is the Co-Founder of the Detroit, MI Walk of Hope, which occurs annually every April.

Leadership Committee

After years of experiencing infertility, Cherish’s journey led her to IVF and the joy of welcoming her miracle baby boy in December 2021. That experience ignited her deep passion for advocacy, making it not just something she does—but an essential part of who she is.

In her leadership role with MFAA, Cherish combines her personal story and commitment to community to help families and individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. She is dedicated to raising awareness, creating connections, and fostering hope for others who may be walking a similar path.

Alongside her advocacy, Cherish serves families in the Kalamazoo area as a REALTOR® with Evenboer-Walton REALTORS® and also a Travel Agent with Sunshine Travel Company. 

Leadership Committee

Kevin is a proud father to triplets, born through surrogacy. Kevin is dedicated to making the path to parenthood less daunting for others who are considering starting a family through alternative methods. When he's not navigating the joyful chaos of raising three toddlers, Kevin serves as an administrative executive at the University of Michigan and as devoted dog dad to Max, completing their family.

Gift Specialist

A long-time women's health advocate, Leah experienced unexplained infertility while trying to conceive her first child. Thanks to a phenomenal reproductive endocrinology team and treatments, Leah and her co-parent were able to bring two children into the world who are now thriving in early elementary school. After early challenges and eventual success with direct-nursing, Leah earned a clinical and communication lactation specialist (CCLS) certificate during the pandemic to support families in their lactation journeys, and continues to prioritize troubleshooting feeding challenges with new parents, particularly in the chaos of early postpartum. 

Leah joined the Michigan Fertility Alliance Board after experiencing the joy of a gestational surrogacy journey with her friends, Alex and Alan Kamer. The wonderful experience as a gestational surrogate with dear friends gave her the drive to bring a surrogate's perspective to advocating for the Michigan Family Protection Act (MFPA). Leah aims to continue Alex Kamer's legacy of action by serving on the MFAA board and acting as the gift specialist for MFA and MFAA. Please feel free to contact her with any questions about including either organization in your philanthropic plans.