Msw Melissa L. Simon Cfre

Melissa L. Simon, MSW, CFRE has a diverse work experience in the nonprofit sector. Melissa L. is currently the Chief Executive Officer at Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos, a position they have held since July 2021. Prior to this, they served as the Senior Director of Development, Aftercare and Outreach at Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos from September 2018 to June 2021.

Before joining Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos, Melissa was the Chief Development Officer at Boys and Girls Country of Houston, Inc from January 2014 to September 2018. Melissa L. also held the role of Director of Development/Regional Coordinator at Bridges To Life from January 2009 to January 2014.

Earlier in their career, Melissa worked as the Director of Development at Communities In Schools Houston from October 2005 to January 2009. Melissa L. was responsible for all aspects of fund development and communications for the organization.

Melissa also worked as a Consultant for small nonprofit organizations from January 2001 to January 2009. Melissa L.'sexpertise included fund development writing and research, program planning and implementation, and technical writing.

Further, Melissa served as a Consultant at Disability Advocates of America from January 2003 to January 2008, where they assisted clients with filing for Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI benefits.

Melissa's experience also includes being a Development Director at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston from February 2003 to October 2005, where they were responsible for grant/proposal development and maintaining relationships with funders.

Melissa L. began their career as an intern at United Way of Greater Houston in 2000.

Overall, Melissa has a strong background in development, fundraising, and nonprofit management, and brings a wealth of experience to their current role as CEO at Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos.

Melissa L. Simon holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Houston, which they obtained from 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology at Sam Houston State University from 1991 to 1994. Melissa L. also holds a High School Diploma from Greendale High School, earned from 1984 to 1987.

In terms of additional certifications, Melissa L. Simon obtained a certificate in Nonprofit Financial Management from Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies in 2013. Furthermore, they have obtained various other certifications, including Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in August 2022, CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) from CFRE International in September 2015, and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certification in January 2011.