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Melissa began her career as a teacher, choosing to attend law school following several frustrating attempts to protect children in her classroom from abuse.  Once becoming a lawyer, she practiced in child-related law including child protection, juvenile justice, and education law.  When she accepted a position leading a nonprofit group in Washington State, it changed her path forever.  Since then, Melissa has led child, youth, and family nonprofits for nearly two decades, including 13 years here in Maine.  She is passionate about the power of relationships, collaboration, and partnership to solve some of our world’s most pressing problems – and believes nonprofits are often uniquely suited to reach sustainable solutions.