Melissa Rea

Melissa Rea joined the Care to Learn team in 2017, and has served as the Springfield Chapter Services Specialist and Closet Project Coordinator. She currently supports Chapters as a Director of Chapter Services. Melissa came to Care to Learn after spending a decade as a Project Manager in the pharmaceutical/medical meeting industry, and finding a passion for building community and helping kids through volunteer work.

Melissa grew up in Clever, Missouri, and graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Entertainment Management. She is active in the community and has served as president of Queen City Sertoma and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. She was awarded District "Sertoman of the Year" in 2015, and in 2023, Springfield Business Journal recognized her as one of the community's "40 Under 40."

When she’s not at Care to Learn, Melissa performs in several local bands in and around Springfield. She also enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her husband, Jim, and son, Archie.

Building and growing the Care to Learn Closet Program in Springfield Public Schools is Melissa’s proudest accomplishment with Care to Learn thus far, but she’s not stopping now!