Melissa has over 25 years of experience in mental health primarily in state government roles. She has also worked in roles related to community mental health, direct services, and mental health state associations.

Melissa provides strategic leadership support to state governments, working closely with leaders to improve the health and human services system both within the governmental structure and within the provider network. She works closely with all levels of staff to transform service delivery for mental health and substance abuse at all levels of care, from prevention through treatment. Her role also includes work on state-led federal grants and system improvement projects that include transformation activities and program design. With her clinical background and years in leadership positions, she aligns efforts and facilitates strategic change so resources are used efficiently, and better outcomes are achieved.

Prior to joining BBS, Melissa was the Director of Behavioral Health and Child Health Transformation at the Center for Health Care Strategies. The majority of her career has been in state government, most recently as the Commissioner for the Vermont Department of Mental Health. Melissa earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Northern Vermont University and is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. She is also the co-host of the State of Mind podcast, exploring better ways to deliver mental health and substance abuse care. Melissa lives in Philadelphia with her husband Leroy, and dogs Jerome and Sharlee. She loves to travel, eat out, and runs and bikes when the weather is right. She is on the re-entry committee for New Leash on Life which pulls dogs from high-kill shelters and works with inmates who gain job skills by training the dogs for more successful adoption.