Melissa Passarelli

Melissa Passarelli serves as the Associate Director of Implementation and Systems Building at Connecticut Children's, focusing on the Help Me Grow National Center since February 2022. Previously, Melissa worked as a CDC Act Early Ambassador at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from April 2019 to February 2022, promoting developmental awareness in New York. With extensive experience at Docs for Tots from September 2011 to February 2022, Melissa oversaw various programs, directed developmental screening initiatives, and led projects aimed at improving healthcare practices. Melissa's background also includes trauma therapy as a Therapist in Training with The Blue Bench, clinic coordination with the Trauma and Disaster Recovery Clinic, and several community service roles. Academic credentials include a Master of Arts in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver and participation in executive education at Columbia Business School.