Melanie is the Outreach Manager for the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI), serving the West Central Indiana region. A proud native of the Wabash Valley, she is deeply rooted in her community and driven by a passion for supporting those who serve youth. Melanie is especially committed to building strong, meaningful relationships with youth workers and equipping them to better connect with the families in their care.
Before joining IYI, Melanie brought over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, working both as a classroom teacher and in the field of Child Care Resource and Referral. Her career has included roles in direct service as well as professional development, allowing her to support children, families, and educators in a variety of settings. She also spent five years with Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, further expanding her impact on youth and community engagement.
In her free time, Melanie enjoys the outdoors—especially camping and hiking—crafting, and spending quality time with family and friends. She also continues to give back through volunteering with her local Girl Scout troop.