Mel is a learning resource developer and imagineer for the leadership programs, SEI and LEAD.  She brings a creative flair and a whole new mind, heart and soul approach to the leadership experience. Mel has developed many inspirational and educational videos on a wide range of leadership themes. These include topics such as integrity, a whole new mind, community building, democratic leadership, change, good to great, life purpose, spirit matters, and many more.

She incorporates poetry and music into the SEI and LEAD experience. Mel came to the Center as a graduate student in 1986 and coordinated the very second SEI.  Getting involved with local government leadership training became her love and full time responsibility.   She coordinated the first LEAD program and saw that grow into such a successful program that it is now offered many times per year.  Mel coordinated the VLGMA conferences from 1990 until 2003 and she is still very active with the Association.  "Local government leadership is my passion and the theme that ignites my creative, inventive energy.  Music, beauty, the spiritual unite in me and become my life's symphony."