NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland
As the political arm of the pro-choice movement in Maryland, we work to develop and sustain a constituency that works to guarantee every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing safe, legal abortion.

NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Fund
The NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Fund supports as a fundamental right and value, a woman's freedom to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices through education, research, training, and organizing.

NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Political Action Committee (PAC)
The NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland PAC works to elect pro-choice candidates to all levels of office from school board to U.S. Senate.

Meet the NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland Staff!

Ariana Brannigan Kelly Executive Director
I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of serving as Executive Director of this organization since June 2005. During my tenure, I have focused on growing the organization's membership, building sustainable relationships with diverse community groups, and educating young people about threats to reproductive choices right here in Maryland.

Before joining NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, I was Executive Producer for PBS' To The Contrary with Bonnie Erbe, a national women's issues news program. For three years at To The Contrary I specialized in stories on women's health, women in politics, and economic empowerment for women and communities of color. I interviewed female newsmakers ranging from Patricia Ireland to Phyllis Schlaffly. After reporting from the last abortion clinic open in Mississippi, I was moved to act to protect women's access to vital health care choices.

Prior to my journalism career, I developed programs and funding strategies for national nonprofit organizations, including NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund (now known as Legal Momentum)where I served as National Judicial Education Program Coordinator and the national girls rights organization, Girls Incorporated, as Annual Fund Manager. I began my career as a Volunteer Coordinator for Travelers Aid International.

I am a native Marylander, a graduate of Montgomery County Public Schools (Walter Johnson, '94) and the University of Wisconsin- Madison. My husband is from Baltimore, and together we are committed to ensuring reproductive freedom for our two young children.

Melissa Kleder Reproductive Health Program Coordinator
Melissa is from Cleveland, Ohio, where she was a leading volunteer at NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio. She recently moved to Silver Spring after completing her Masters in Gender Studies from the University of Essex. Her past work experience includes serving as a Women's Advocate at the Domestic Violence Center in Cleveland, and as a patient counselor/advocate, PR Coordinator and intake staff at two of Cleveland's abortion clinics, PRETERM, and the Cleveland Surgi-Center. Melissa manages our EC Outreach campaign, Festival Tabling, CRAB Groups, the updating of our Provider's Guide, and many other research/policy/organizing projects.

Erin Schurmann Development and Political Assistant
A Catonsville native, Erin graduated in May 2007 from the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in History and Govt & Politics. While at Maryland, Erin founded and served as co-president of Terps for Choice. She also interned in the NARAL office, interned in the political department of EMILY's List, volunteered for the Heather Mizeur campaign, and interned on Capitol Hill for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-11). She also serves as Vice-Chair for the Young Democrats of Maryland Women's Caucus and Programs Director for Baltimore County Young Democrats. Erin handles administrative tasks, direct mail, event planning, and other fundraising efforts.

Laura Austen Berger Outreach Coordinator
Before becoming the Outreach Coordinator, Laura worked as an intern for two years while attending Georgetown Day High School and living in Washington, DC. Although Laura attends Tufts University outside of Boston during the school year studying Community Health and Latin American Studies, she works in the office during the summer and winter breaks. Laura spearheaded the Montgomery County Crisis Pregnancy Center research and summer tabling at festivals. She also works on projects involving emergency contraception and sex education in high schools.

Interns