MMHLA Welcomes New Senior Staff Members
We are thrilled to welcome two amazing women to MMHLA’s senior staff!
Jamie Zahlaway Belsito
Director of Policy and Partnerships
Jamie founded MMHLA in 2019 to keep a focus on national policy around maternal mental health, and has acted as the Honorary Chair of MMHLA’s Board of Directors since 2021. She previously served as MMHLA’s Policy Director, and has been a key advocate in passing two pieces of federal legislation to address the nation’s maternal mental health crisis. Her grassroots advocacy efforts helped establish the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and garnered funding for federal grants to create state programs addressing maternal mental health.
Jamie was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature in December 2021 in a special election, representing the 4th Essex District. A Boston native, Jamie previously served as a Trustee of Salem State University, as a Commissioner on the (MA) Ellen Story Special Commission on Postpartum Depression, and as a Board member of the Massachusetts March of Dimes. Jamie is a former candidate for the United States Congress, campaigning on a platform to improve the lives of mothers and families.
Terri D. Wright, PhD, MPH
Senior Advisor
Dr. Wright is a founding member of MMHLA’s Board of Directors, having served as a Board member since 2020. In her role on the Board, Dr. Wright led a year-long effort to engage a diverse multi-disciplinary Board of Advisors, which provided recommendations to MMHLA focused on inclusivity and racial equity. She also launched MMHLA’s graduate school intern program, mentoring seven young public health students over the last three academic years.
Dr. Wright holds a PhD from the University of Michigan. While studying for her advanced degree, she also served as a program director for health policy with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Prior to her time as program director, she served in the Michigan Department of Public Health as Maternal and Child Health Director. Dr. Wright has held positions in philanthropy and the non-profit sectors as Director of the Centers for Public Health Policy and School, Health & Education at the American Public Health Association.
