
Melissa Wood
Melissa Wood, originally from Newburgh, NY, is Vice President of Sunflower of Westchester. Having experienced the foster care system firsthand, Melissa was separated from her brothers at a young age but was later reunited with her family. This profound personal experience ignited her passion for breaking generational cycles and inspiring others who face similar challenges.
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Melissa earned an Associate of Applied Scien​ce (AAS) and has spent over 15 years working as a Physical Therapist Assistant. However, her desire to learn more led her to return to school, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Psychology. This shift changed the trajectory of her career, leading her to transition into Community Relations, where she expanded her love for serving others .
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Her mission is to create a supportive environment where every foster child and young adult has the chance to thrive and succeed. Through her work with Sunflowers of Westchester, Melissa aims to transform the foster care experience and make a lasting impact on the lives of many.