Hi – I’m Melissa!
I would describe myself as eclectic, unique, artistic, creative, a survivor, imaginative, and sometimes sarcastic. I’m currently an Outreach Coordinator on the Rural Outreach Program and Services (PROPS) team, serving the southern part of the state. I joined Pathways Vermont in March 2024, and my role is to connect with the community—engaging in a positive light on a street and professional level.
No two days in this role are the same. I start my mornings by checking emails, voicemails, and my calendar to plan the day ahead. Some days, I’m responding to urgent needs from program participants, while others are focused on paperwork and grant reporting. A big part of my work involves reaching out to people who aren’t currently receiving support and may not yet be on a housing list, like coordinated entry. I help connect them with our PROPS program and work with them to identify and meet their needs.
Pathways’ mission of ending homelessness and providing innovative mental health alternatives inspires me because I’ve been there myself. I’ve experienced the challenges of navigating a dark road with no help and the isolation that comes with it. I don’t want anyone else to feel that way. I’m passionate about connecting with people, listening to their stories, and using my own experiences to offer meaningful support.
My biggest motivator for coming to work each day is the chance to inspire others. My grandson is also a huge source of joy in my life. Thanks to the stability of my job, I’m planning to take him and a couple of his friends on a trip this April—something that makes me incredibly proud. I also love being able to inspire the people I connect with through my work. When I support someone experiencing homelessness and can share my own story and experience, I can help them see that it’s possible to get through it.
