Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Work Preference
Websites
Work Availability
Timeline
Generic
Melissa Cline

Melissa Cline

Kirksville,MO

Summary

I am a dynamic Community Engagement Specialist with over 29 years of experience in supporting individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in an array of settings including the past 12 years with Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board. I excel in relationship building and program development and am skilled in staff training and crisis management. I have effectively coordinated community initiatives that have enhanced participation and understanding of individuals with disabilities, fostered strong stakeholder connections, and promoted inclusivity. I am passionate about advocating for underrepresented voices, enhancing community involvement, securing vital funding, and optimizing allocated resources.

Work History

Community Engagement Specialist

Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board
02.2013 - Current
  • Developed and directed all programming for the Adair County SB40 Community Learning Center and L.I.F.E. Summer Youth Program.
  • Implemented creative solutions for engaging diverse populations of people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities within the community, breaking down barriers to participation.
  • Developed connections with area organizations for Adair County SB40 and the Community Learning Center to improve overall community involvement, resulting in stronger relationships between stakeholders.
  • Developed, coordinated, and implemented various community engagement activities, conferences, art shows, and presentations to help connect people with disabilities to their communities and broaden the understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.
  • Advocated for underrepresented voices during planning meetings and committees, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all community members, including people with disabilities.
  • Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to optimize resource allocation throughout various programs, including Community Learning Center activities and programming, the L.I.F.E. Summer Youth Program, educational trainings for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and community members.
  • Conducted presentations at local events, promoting awareness of organizational goals and objectives within the community.
  • Coordinated fundraising efforts to support community initiatives, leading to financial contributions from area businesses, organizations, and stakeholders to support the Community Learning Center and projects of the Adair County DD Link.
  • Trained and supervised volunteers and staff members on effective communication strategies, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
  • Facilitated Mandt System trainings for area provider agencies supporting individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through surveys and feedback sessions with participants, adapting strategies as necessary for improved results.
  • Collaborated with other Adair County SB40 team members to ensure that people and families supported through the agency receive the highest quality services possible.
  • Developed educational materials tailored specifically towards different demographic groups, increasing cultural understanding among residents of various backgrounds.
  • Maintained company and conference websites using Wix.com platform.
  • Produced and distributed brochures, monthly newsletters, Community Learning Center reports, and drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media.
  • Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members, and volunteers.
  • Oversaw and assisted in developing company policies and procedures.

Lead Teacher

Faith Lutheran Church School
08.2012 - 01.2013
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
  • Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies and lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success in a pre-school classroom of 24 three-year-olds.
  • Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance the overall development and growth of every student by modifying lessons and curriculum to accommodate divers learners by adapting teaching methods and materials.
  • Guided teaching aides and volunteers in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions to increase overall classroom success.

Professional Manager

Chariton Valley Association
07.2004 - 08.2012
  • Provided oversight and management of ISL's, community integration, independent living skills development, and home and community-based services provided by the organization to individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work, provided training for them with the person they would be directly supporting how to complete appropriate documentation appropriately and on time.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes, including reviewing ISP's and annual budgets for each individual, and prepared monthly reviews for the support provided to each person, submitted monthly billing logs, and maintained required documentation for each person served.
  • Maintained a professional, organized, and safe environment for employees, including training about how to ensure safety when supporting people with increased mobility needs and the use of accessible vans.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Maximized the performance of employees by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members, as well as ongoing and yearly evaluations, including establishing performance goals for the employee and providing feedback on methods for reaching them.
  • Cross-trained existing employees with other programs within the organization to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with individuals receiving services, their families/guardians, and other agencies that also provide support to the person to ensure full, quality supports for the person served.
  • Developed work schedules for assigned staff members of 6-16 members to provide the approved number of support hours for each of 35 individuals.
  • Facilitated monthly staff meetings with assigned staff and attended monthly staff meetings.
  • Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
  • Assisted individuals, as needed, to attend medical appointments and procedures, communicating with their medical team, and following their medical team's directions and recommendations.
  • Participated in the development of annual individualized support plans for each person supported in the program assigned to me.
  • Assisted individuals in learning to budget their finances, pay bills, and live within their means

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

(Southwest) Missouri State University
Springfield, MO

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

Jefferson County Community College
Hillsboro, MO

Skills

  • Nonprofit experience
  • Relationship building with stakeholders, community organizations, and area partners
  • Staff development, training, supervision, and management
  • Public speaking
  • Volunteer recruitment and management
  • Mandt System Trainer
  • Charting the LifeCourse Tools Ambassador
  • Social media management
  • Event development and coordination
  • Program development
  • Crisis management
  • Budget development and management

Affiliations

  • MOAAIDD Board Member
  • Heartland Task Force Coalition Board Member
  • Supported Decision Making Consortium Member

Certification

  • Mandt System Trainer (expired January 31, 2025)
  • National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices Affiliated Regional Trainer
  • Charting the LifeCourse Tools Facilitator for CtLC in Action, CtLC Stakeholders, and CtLC Good Life Groups
  • Sibshops Facilitator
  • Adult Mental Health First Aid
  • First Aid and CPR with AED

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

Hybrid

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsPaid time offPaid sick leave401k match

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Community Engagement Specialist

Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board
02.2013 - Current

Lead Teacher

Faith Lutheran Church School
08.2012 - 01.2013

Professional Manager

Chariton Valley Association
07.2004 - 08.2012

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

Valdosta State University

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

(Southwest) Missouri State University

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

Southeast Missouri State University

Some College (No Degree) - Early Childhood Special Education

Jefferson County Community College
Melissa Cline