Melissa Virula

Melissa is a Bilingual Program Leader with over a decade of experience in children and family social service systems, child mental health, and educational missions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and has attended Montclair State University for Family and Child Studies with a Concentration in a School Settings. Melissa is also is a Certified ABA approved Paralegal with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science, who has specialized in Family and Criminal Law amongst other legal departments. 

Melissa has worked extensively in clinical and therapeutic environments, including in home (ABA) Therapy as an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist for 8 years. Providing 1:1 direct instruction to children on the spectrum and a Special Education professional to thier parents. Supporting children with autism and developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities, she has implemented 504’s, IEP’s, individualized treatment plans, BIP’s or behavioral interventions, and data-driven therapeutic strategies while collaborating closely with clinicians, educators, and families to promote consistent, effective care.

Serving nonprofit, urban public school settings and community-based roles, Melissa has led and managed comprehensive programs serving children and families impacted by trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault and socioeconomic barriers. Working as a Site Director within the Full-Service Community School model, she has successfully executed community initiatives, programmatic resources, state awarded grants, district curriculums, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and built strong partnerships to expand access to therapeutic services, case management, and family support. Fluent in English and Spanish, Melissa is committed to delivering culturally responsive, compassionate care that helps children and families thrive.