Melissa Edwards is the Co-Director of Project POWER. She also plays a key role in the Personal Networks Project, where she contributes to the development of innovative learning tools aimed at enhancing community and support outside of paid systems.
Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a Minor in Child Psychology and has been dedicated to working with youth since 2015. Her passion for community service and advocacy stems from her personal experience as a caregiver to her younger sister, who was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, a rare congenital birth defect. Her journey as a sibling of an individual with disabilities has deeply influenced her commitment to empowering families and young people.
Melissa’s journey as a trusted adult in Project POWER, Personal Networks and in her prior title at PEAK as the Youth Trainer and Mentor working with youth and young adults with disabilities has deepened her understanding of the power of self-advocacy. Through the eyes of the young people she works with, she has witnessed firsthand how fostering self-advocacy can lead to greater confidence, independence, and success in navigating life’s challenges.
By encouraging the youth and young adults she works with to understand their strengths, communicate their needs, and make informed decisions, she has seen the profound impact self-advocacy can have on personal growth and overall well-being. The ability to advocate for oneself empowers individuals to access the resources and accommodations they need, develop resilience, and build meaningful connections in their communities.
In addition to her work in social services, Melissa brings extensive knowledge of the military community, having served a combined 16 years in the United States Air Force and Reserve. She understands the unique challenges of military life, including the stressors associated with permanent change of station, and strongly believes in the importance of building resilient support networks.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Melissa enjoys volunteering, spending quality time with her family, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
