
MEET MELISSA
Hi, I'm Melissa.
I'm the founder of Root & Branch Consulting LLC, where I help mission-driven organizations secure funding, strengthen communications, and build capacity for growth through grant writing, nonprofit communications, and development support.
I bring more than 13 years of experience across nonprofit, higher education, workforce development, communications, administrative, and community engagement roles, along with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work. Throughout my career, I've been drawn to work that helps people, strengthens communities, and supports organizations making a meaningful difference.
Before launching Root & Branch Consulting, I spent nearly a decade working at a university-based Women's Center focused on the prevention of and response to sexual and domestic violence. My work included developing educational programs, coordinating community outreach initiatives, staffing support hotlines, assisting survivors in navigating reporting and court processes, and building partnerships with campus and community organizations.
My professional experience has also included workforce development and career services, where I supported job seekers through resume development, interview preparation, career coaching, and relationship-building with employers. These experiences strengthened my ability to connect people and organizations with opportunities, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Throughout my career, I've relied on strong writing, communication, and relationship-building skills to connect people and organizations with resources, opportunities, and support. Over the years, I've developed educational materials, outreach campaigns, presentations, brochures, newsletters, grant narratives, and communications designed to engage audiences and inspire action.
Today, I use those same skills to support nonprofit organizations through grant research, proposal writing, funder communications, outreach, storytelling, and organizational support. I currently work with organizations including AKNEW, Inc. and Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, helping strengthen their capacity through grant writing, communications, and development support. My work has contributed to successful grant awards, including funding opportunities that were new to the organizations I serve.
What I enjoy most about this work is partnering with organizations that are deeply committed to serving their communities. Whether supporting a grant application, strengthening communications, or helping identify new opportunities for growth, I appreciate being able to contribute to work that creates meaningful impact.
Thank you for visiting. If you'd like to learn more about my services or discuss how I may be able to support your organization, I'd love to connect.
View my full professional background on Linkedin.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH ME
"Melissa is one of my favorite people I've ever worked with, and anything she does is well-thought out, intuitive, and often an eyebrow-raising value-add too."
— Former Supervisor
"Melissa has been an incredible asset to our team. She brings structure, efficiency, and intentionality to everything she does, helping our organization run more smoothly. She consistently fills in the gaps, strengthens our processes, and makes a lasting impact. Her responsiveness and ability to get things done efficiently are qualities we truly appreciate."
— Toni Meyers, CEO, AKNEW, Inc.

