Alumni Stories: Melissa Wesner
Melissa (center—holding the yellow sheet of paper) during a MidYear conference in 2005.
By Cora Davis, Communications Director
More than 25 years have gone by, yet Melissa continues to affirm that her time with Notre Dame Mission Volunteers profoundly reshaped her life's journey. Like many volunteers with NDMV, she stepped out of her comfort zone, from her Pennsylvania hometown to immerse herself in a community vastly different from her own. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, she recalls, "I lived in Pennsylvania at the time and thought, 'What am I going to do now?'"
From a young age, Melissa had a passion for learning about the struggles faced by others. "I was a weird, nerdy kid. I enjoyed reading books about slavery, the Holocaust, and indigenous people," she shared. This deep compassion motivated her to pursue a degree in Christian ministry.
After earning her undergraduate degree, she decided to take a year off to gain experience through service. Before the advent of online applications, she had applied for the Peace Corps. After navigating a mountain of paperwork and encountering some unique circumstances akin to destiny, Melissa ultimately chose to spend her year in 2004 volunteering with NDMV in Apopka, Florida.
Melissa and her team in Apopka in 2005.
During her time in Apopka, Melissa taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults and even offered night classes. As she connected with her students, she learned about the lives of farmworkers and the challenging working conditions they faced.
Melissa's experiences during her year of service remain etched in her memory, fundamentally altering her perspective on the world around her. She reflected, "It's upsetting with the things that are happening now, with ICE and deportation. People are severely misinformed. It's hard to see what's unfolding, especially given my experiences." This transformative year of service inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others.
After completing her time with NDMV, Melissa returned to school and earned a master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Following her graduation, she worked for seven years in a methadone facility, supporting patients battling drug and alcohol addictions. "It was a population I really enjoyed working with," she expressed.
While Melissa found those seven years both challenging and inspiring, she eventually sought a new direction. One day, at a potluck with friends, they collectively decided to start their own counseling business. "Service is inherent in being a counselor—being of service, helping others, and caring for those in need," she described.
"I met my husband during my service year, which highlights the significance of that time in my life," she said with a smile.
Today, Melissa is the founder and owner of her own counseling business, Lifespring Counseling Services, which she has owned for over 11 years.
Her remarkable journey is a testament to the profound impact that a year of dedicated service can have on a person's life.
