Melanie Brooks’ engagement with service learning began
during her university years when she got involved with, and eventually ran, a pet therapy program that linked local volunteers with nursing home residents.  After graduating with a B.A. in Human Development and Social Relations, she went on to lead 30-day wilderness trips with adjudicated youth on the east coast with TresslerCare Wilderness Services.

In 2006, Melanie received her M.A. in applied linguistics from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  She then went on to complete a one-year fellowship at Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey. 

In her free time, she loves being outdoors, gardening, bee keeping, good books, and attempting to get her friends to adopt the dogs that she fosters.  She also
enjoys traveling to different countries and learning about new cultures.   In addition, she is unusually attached to her miniature pinscher, Duncan (originally a foster).  In her new position of CCC VISTA supervisor, Melanie is thrilled to be working with such a dedicated team of highly-motivated talent and has great hopes for the coming year.