Count on Mothers

How it Works

By answering our monthly survey, your voice is added to the data we compile and share on a non-partisan basis with news organizations and legislators or industry leaders. We are committed to providing data to inform policymaking on issues that matter to you. We never share any personal information that you provide. The surveys you complete ask for your opinions on specific legislation (bills) that are currently being considered in Congress or issues that inform policymaking, all that affect children and families.

Count on Mothers provides real-time, first-hand data and insights to guide decision-making. Each policy that we survey mothers on, across the country and political spectrum, is chosen based on what mothers want to address. Every mother is welcomed in the Panelist community.

Our Impact

Count on Mothers provides data to inform decisions across federal policies and industries that impact children. We post policy data for the public to use and we partner with industry groups for the express purpose of ensuring that industry and government policymakers prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of children and families.

In the case of data on federal policies, when mothers agree across the political spectrum, on components of a bill under review, Count on Mothers endorses that bill. Click here for an example.

Our data can factor into almost every step of the legislative process represented here.

We are eager to have your voice count! Sign up here to join.

What is count on mothers?

Count on Mothers is a data-driven legislative advocacy tool for mothers with the purpose of surveying mothers’ first-hand knowledge and using that information to impact policies that directly affect the well-being of families.

How does it work?

When a bill that could affect children or families is introduced to the House or Senate, Count on Mothers runs a survey to capture data that will help legislators understand how the legislation could impact American families.

Why does it matter?

Count on Mothers will provide a quick and easy tool for real-time data during a time-sensitive legislative process.

About Count on Mothers

We are a dedicated team with a mission to compile data that will inform how leaders prioritize our children and families when making decisions that affect their future. Our goal is to collect this important data from mothers and translate it into actionable insights for news organizations, legislators, and industry leaders. We do this monthly, one study at a time. Our voice is stronger together: Contact us to get involved. Read our Founder Story.

The Team

Jennifer Bransford

Founder

Mother of three, Jennifer founded Count on Mothers to help improve the conditions of raising children and make life better for mothers. After working in television, she produced numerous child-centered philanthropic projects. In 2017, she was invited to the U.N. by the First Lady to discuss bullying prevention with a small group of emotional intelligence thought leaders. Most recently, she developed an e-learning program rooted in interpersonal neurobiology and building trusting relationships.

Melissa Lawrence, MPH

Director of Data Science

Mother of two, Melissa is a data scientist passionate about using data to generate innovative solutions. Specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics, she has a strong foundation in understanding how statistical analysis drives actionable insights. As a data scientist at a biotechnology company, Melissa makes meaningful contributions through data-driven approaches. But all of this comes second to her most prized work, a one year-old and five year-old daughter.

Maggie BenZvi

Director of Editorial

Mother of two, Maggie is a founding writer for Coffee or Die Magazine, where she reported on issues affecting the lives of service members and their families. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in political science and has a masters degree from Columbia University in human rights. As a mother, she is passionate about childhood mental health and special education. Her favorite hobby is talking about the Buffalo Bills on her Youtube channel.

Dr. Jennifer Brailsford

Head of Research

A new mother, Jennifer is an interdisciplinary scholar deeply committed to advancing child health and well-being through rigorous research and effective implementation strategies. After receiving a PhD in Medical Sociology in 2016, she has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application. She's utilized her background to develop qualitative and quantitative research initiatives including study design, recruiting, analysis, and reporting.

Advisory Board

Amanda Kanaga

Mother of four, Amanda serves as CDO of The Nest Climate Campus in NYC. She has worked to scale environmental solutions through cross industry collaborations including private and public sectors, government, policy makers, media, and non-profits. Amanda served as CMO at PeopleOne Health and CRO at SparkPeople, a health technology and Saas platform. Amanda advises COM on research and development.

Kimberlee Holmes

Mother of a teenager who is now in college, Kimberlee is the president of Superior Bookkeeping and a dedicated mother. She is a passionate believer in the power of motherhood. Over her fifteen+ year career in business management and accounting, she has served on numerous boards and parent committees. As an exemplary accountant, Kim advises COM on accounting and management.

Gayle Gilman

Mother of four, Gayle has served as the EVP and general manager for FremantleMedia North America where she launched the Tiny Riot! digital studio. Oscar and Emmy nominated producer for NatGeo and A&E, she is best known for The Farm: Angola, Ice Road Truckers, and Something Scary. She is President and Founder at Snarled Entertainment, a video and podcast company. Gayle advises COM on the upcoming storytelling arm for qualitative data.

Elizabeth Marks

Mother of four and a champion of the role of women in business and culture, Liz has been deeply involved in global politics and public policy. She staffed a Member of British Parliament in the House of Commons, and is committed to improving the lives of mothers and families. Over her thirty year career, Liz has provided strategic planning and development for brands, foundations, and creative/media agencies. Liz advises COM on development and programming.

Dr. Mitch Rosenwald

Mitch received his PhD in Social Work from University of Maryland, and designed the COM research and survey model. He is the author/editor of three books and dozens of peer-reviewed publications that include a focus on clinical and macro social work practice and child welfare. He served as a co-evaluator on a U.S. Children's Bureau Housing First grant. Mitch is the former President of the National Association of Social Workers-Florida Chapter. Mitch advises COM on research and policy.

Leonardo Cilmi

Leonardo Cilmi is a digital product leader formerly at Facebook and currently at LTK. Before Facebook, Leonardo worked with The National Urban Technology Center, a non-profit dedicated to developing safe and supportive schools through its digital learning curriculum, as well as Artist's Teaching Art, another non-profit committed to teaching kids foundational life skills through art. Leo advises COM on product design and strategy.

John L. Baker

A father of three, John is a marketing and communications expert with over 30 years of experience working with some of the biggest brands and marketers in the world. His passion is in driving solutions and building integrated and collaborative teams across disciplines, where ideas and insights are the most valuable currency, people feel empowered to take risks, where contributions are valued and recognized, and where everyone learns from each other. He advises COM on brand strategy, media planning, and creative development. John advised COM on business development.