Melissa Renes

Program Manager - Education & Operations

Melissa works directly with Campus Chapters and Lost&Found Advocates Program. These programs aim to educate students individually or campus-wide about their own mental health, but also equipping them with tools for resilience and advocacy. Melissa’s roles include coordinating education, facilitating relationships and help reduce the stigma of mental health on campuses by working directly with students to advocate for themselves and others.

Melissa has experience in providing direct care, program management and staff supervision within services that support individuals including at-risk youth, homelessness, crisis intervention, victim advocacy and prevention.

Over the years, Melissa has worked directly with a variety of service providers across the state providing project support, technical assistance, and collaborative concepts to grow prevention efforts in our communities. Melissa brings strong connections from relationships built with state and local coalitions and networking groups, serving in various leadership roles within these groups.

Melissa obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology through Northern State University in 2001 and is anticipated to complete her Master of Social Work through Capella University in December 2022. Melissa received her Social Work Associate license in February 2017 and is a member of the NASW South Dakota Chapter, where she will serve as secretary for a three-year term (2022-25).

Melissa lives in Sioux Falls, SD, with her husband and their three dogs: Dublin, Trayah and Ella. When not working or doing schoolwork, for self-care Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending or volunteering for various community events, and vegging out to mindless TV.