Quiet Work With Loud Impact: Meet Cailey Brown

Watch Episode 24 of
The Max Loves Midland Show

Cailey Brown, In Her Own Words:

"Hi, I’m Cailey Brown. I’m the Forensic Interviewer and Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordinator at the Midland Child Advocacy Center (CAC), and this work has changed my life.

I grew up in a rural area outside of Merrill, Michigan—Marion Springs, to be exact. My childhood was full of curiosity and creativity. I was the kind of kid who wanted to try everything—art club, band, National Honor Society, leadership roles. That “try-everything” mindset followed me to Saginaw Valley State University, where I probably changed my major more than I can count before settling on psychology. I knew I wanted to work with people—I didn’t know exactly how.

During college, I worked at Underground Railroad in Saginaw, helping with supervised visitations for families impacted by domestic violence. I was a quiet bridge in that space, watching relationships unfold and trying to ensure children were safe. I deeply appreciated that role, but I also realized I wanted to be more hands-on—more in the room where things were happening. That’s what led me to the Midland CAC.

I joined the team almost three years ago as the Prevention Education Coordinator. My role focused on community education—teaching kids about body safety, helping adults understand the signs of abuse, and guiding people on how to respond when a child discloses abuse. Eventually, I trained to be the backup forensic interviewer and family advocate, and when our previous interviewer left, I stepped fully into the role in early 2023.

Now, I’m the one who sits across from a child and listens when they need to tell their story—maybe for the first time, maybe not. Our interviews are part of a more significant, coordinated response to child abuse involving law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the prosecutor’s office, and medical professionals. We’re all in this together, but I’m in the room, asking open-ended, child-centered questions, working to reduce retraumatization and create a sense of safety.

There’s no sugar-coating it—this work is heavy. Some days, I leave feeling like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. But it’s also where I feel most grounded. The complexity, the emotional layers, the importance—it drives me. There’s always something to figure out, always someone to help. I’ve learned to protect my peace, to lean on our small but mighty team of four, and to draw strength from a fantastic network of CAC professionals around the state. I’ve also learned how critical it is to have joy and life outside of work.

I recently moved to Bay City and have loved the scenery change. I’m not downtown, but I’m close enough to walk across the bridge, wander Midland Street, or sit by the water and breathe. Nature has always been a grounding force for me—whether it’s the quiet woods back home or the buzz of riverfront walks. I find peace in creative projects, even if I rarely finish them. And I’m a big music person—my sister and I try to attend a few concerts yearly.

When I think about why I stay in this line of work—especially when the nonprofit world gets difficult—I return to that feeling of purpose. I feel lucky every single day that I get to be part of a team that listens to children when they need it most. I believe wholeheartedly in our mission: empowering children and families through compassionate, trauma-informed care. We’re the only accredited CAC in Midland County and our work matters.

That’s why our annual Arts and Advocacy event is so important. It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and a powerful opportunity to engage with the community. It’s hard to talk about child abuse. No one wants to imagine that it happens here—but it does. And we’re here to help. Arts and Advocacy bridges that gap. It brings people together through creativity and connection. Local artists donate their work, sometimes even creating live at the event, and the community shows up—not just with their wallets but their hearts. It’s an evening full of color and compassion, fueling our work all year. This year, it takes place on May 1st, and I’d love to see new faces there.

Before working here, I had a very different idea of Midland. I thought it was all “Sparkle City”—neat, shiny, maybe a bit exclusive. But I was wrong. Midland is a place of incredible depth, inclusivity, and heart. The arts community here is more vibrant than I ever imagined. The people are generous, supportive, and deeply engaged. There’s a space here for everyone—which means a lot coming from someone who once worried she wouldn’t quite fit.

Looking ahead, my hope for Midland is that we continue moving forward. I want to see more community spaces—third places where people can gather, relax, and connect. I want the Circle to grow into a thriving hub. I want people from all walks of life to feel welcome here. And I want the CAC to keep being a place where children are heard, families are supported, and caregivers are empowered to protect the most vulnerable among us.

I love this work. I love this community. And I believe, with everything in me, that brighter days are ahead—for Midland, the kids we serve, and the future we’re building together.”