Melissa Mace

With a master's in health sciences (emphasis on public health) and a career in human services, I have dedicated my life to helping others. It is in my heart to advocate for and serve individuals and my community, specifically in the areas of mental health and substance abuse. My focus is breaking down communication barriers and building bridges. My experience in public speaking and presenting has helped build effective collaboration between agencies, law enforcement, hospitals, and community resources to help individuals most in need of services.

While at Alcohol Drug Dependency Services Of Southeast Iowa (ADDS), I built up the Evidence-Based Substance Use Prevention curriculum in all Lee County, Burlington, West Burlington, and Louisa County schools, and all but two schools in Henry County—reaching the highest level of participation since the program’s inception.

As a Certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator, I promote collaboration between law enforcement and local community resources to better assist individuals with significant mental illness. I have established meetings in Louisa County and meetings and trainings in Des Moines county. 

The biggest challenge in my current role as a Justice Involved Services Coordinator is helping others have empathy through understanding how trauma may lead individuals to be repeat offenders. I continue to have many discussions to explain why some of the detainees make the choices they make.

Because of my extensive experience and education in public health and human services, others look to me for guidance. I am always willing to mentor and coach and be a role model for new hires to help them succeed. At the same time, I am an eager learner and open to new ideas. I stay informed on the legislative laws and how those laws will impact the community.

My current employer is closing, and it’s my goal to find a new position with an agency where I can continue to help others find hope. My mission is to serve others as an advocate for people in the community.

I have 26 years of experience in human services.  I have been a Caseworker for non-profit child welfare agencies (6/1999-9/2010); I transitioned to Substance Use non profit agency in December 2010 as a Prevention Specialist and when I left in 7/2020 I was the Associate Director of Administration; I worked as COVID Contact tracer from 9/2020-6/2021 with a local health department; I went back to Substance Use Prevention in 6/2021 and worked as a Career Navigator in 9/2021 until I landed with my dream job as a Justice Involved Service Coordinator in 12/2021. I work with inmates at the local jails and help them find the appropriate resources to help them overcome addiction, live with Mental Illness and become happier members of society.  My current position will end 6/30/2025 due to decision at the State level.

Masters of Science with emphasis in Public Health

Bachelors of Science in Family and Human Development

Certified CIT Coordinator