Melissa Tomascik has worked with the Prevention Research Center since 2007, taking a special interest in substance use prevention, social-emotional learning and family strengths. She initially got her start in prevention research through the PROSPER project, which gave her the opportunity to implement high-quality evidence-based programs that ultimately impact school districts, families and youth across Pennsylvania.

Melissa serves as a PROSPER Team Leader as well as a prevention coordinator. As a mother of three, she loves knowing her job makes a difference for families who would otherwise not receive the help that they may need. Melissa looks forward to expanding PROSPER in new counties and school districts across the Commonwealth. She enjoys mentoring new team leaders and prevention coordinators so they, too, can help make a difference for families in need.

During her 16 years in prevention research, Melissa has become specifically passionate about youth and family resiliency. She collaborates with organizations such as United Way and Head Start to strengthen efforts to prevent substance abuse among youth. When she is not working, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and serves as the chairperson of the Forty Fort Shade Tree Commission.