Melissa Bertolo, MSW, MPH

Melissa Bertolo, MSW, MPH, has had a diverse range of work experience. Melissa began their career as a Social Work Intern with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), where they conducted research on US-Mexico border issues and contributed to a publication on the privatization of immigrant detention facilities. Melissa then completed a public health practicum at Fundación Ecuatoriana Equidad, an LGBT health organization in Ecuador, where they analyzed health data, conducted workshops, and provided health information for a radio program.

After returning to the United States, Melissa worked as a Program Assistant with the International Organization for Migration, collaborating with Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health to provide healthcare services to Colombian refugees and coordinating trainings for emergency responders and healthcare providers. Melissa also researched funding opportunities and wrote concept papers on migration topics.

Melissa then served as a Social Work Intern (Therapist) at Ben Archer Health Center, where they conducted intake assessments and provided individual and family therapy in English and Spanish using evidence-based practices. Following this, they worked as a Program Specialist at NMSU School of Social Work, where they developed evaluation tools, created training curriculum, and assisted with conference and training coordination for the New Mexico Children Youth and Families Department.

Most recently, Melissa has been working at Welcoming America, initially as a Certified Welcoming Manager and later as a Certified Welcoming Director. In these roles, they have been involved in promoting inclusive communities and supporting immigrant and refugee integration efforts.

Melissa Bertolo, MSW, MPH, earned their B.A. in Environmental and Social Justice from Warren Wilson College in 2006. Melissa then pursued further education and obtained an MPH and MSW at New Mexico State University, completing their studies in 2012. In addition to their academic achievements, Melissa also obtained certifications in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) from New Mexico State University in August 2012. Moreover, they hold a License of Social Work, obtained in September 2012, from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board.