In Episode 11, they interview

Suzanne Greenberg: 

Background:

Nonprofit CEO | Executive Director with a strong background in leading all aspects for successful operations. Suzanne has a long list of accomplishments. She is currently the executive director of Children Trust Michigan in Lansing, MI. Suzanne has served on the boards of many nonprofits around Saginaw. Suzanne served as the second Executive Director then President CEO at the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region, being there for 24 years. She strategically grew the organization to reach 4 counties. Suzanne has been the executive director of Children Trust Michigan since 2019.

With hosts Becky Burtka & Lorri Rishar Jandron, their Questions:

●For those unfamiliar, what is the core mission of Children Trust Michigan, and how does your team work to support children and families statewide?

● The annual Pam Posthumus Auction has become such a beloved and impactful event. For those who haven’t attended, how would you describe what makes it so special?

● Who was Pam Posthumus, and why is this event named in her honor? 

● What are some of the traditions or signature elements that people look forward to each year? 

● How does the auction directly support the work of Children Trust Michigan and the programs you fund across the state? 

● Can you share a story or example that illustrates the real‑world impact of the dollars raised through this event? 

● Why is community involvement, from donors to volunteers to attendees, so essential to the success of this mission? 

● CAP Month is all about prevention and positive experiences. How does the spirit of CAP Month show up in the auction and in your work more broadly? 

● What does HOPE look like to you in the context of child abuse prevention and family support? 

● The Period of PURPLE Crying is a program many new parents encounter, but not everyone understands its purpose. How does PURPLE help reduce stress for parents and create safer, more stable environments for infants? 

● What do you wish more employers understood about the needs of employees with newborns and how programs like PURPLE can actually support a healthier, more focused workforce? 

● How can communities and workplaces better support parents during those early, high‑stress months to prevent burnout and promote long‑term family well‑being? 

● As a leader, how do you stay grounded and energized in work that is both challenging and deeply meaningful?

Lorri and Becky sit down again, with Children Trust Michigan Executive Director Suzanne Greenberg for a powerful conversation about Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month and the 24th Annual Pam Posthumus Auction.

Suzanne opens the episode by sharing the mission of Children Trust Michigan and how the organization works every day to strengthen families and support communities across the state. She also highlights the many ways people can get involved — even if they aren’t able to attend the annual auction.

In the next segment, Suzanne walks us through the history of the Pam Posthumus Auction, the legacy of Pam herself, and how this event has grown into one of Michigan’s most impactful legislative gatherings. She offers a preview of the exciting auction items up for bid and emphasizes the critical role sponsors play in making the event possible.

In the final segment, Suzanne dives into this year’s Mission Moment, focusing on The Period of PURPLE Crying — an initiative dedicated to preventing shaken baby syndrome. She explains why this work is so important and how funds raised through the auction will directly support families and protect Michigan’s youngest children.

If Suzanne’s story inspired you and you’re looking for ways to get involved, visit https://www.childrentrustmichigan.org/ to learn how you can support families in your community.

Find a prevention partner in your county here: https://www.childrentrustmichigan.org/what-we-do#PreventionPartners

Interested in attending or donating to the 24th Annual Pam Posthumus Auction on Tuesday, May 19? Learn more here: https://www.childrentrustmichigan.org/pam-posthumus-auction

Stay connected with CTM’s mission by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrenTrustMichigan