Melissa Mattson (she/they) grew up in the Slate Belt/Lehigh Valley/Pocono Mt area of Pennsylvania. Melissa is a proud Trio alum graduating from Project Upward Bound in 1997. They graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Women’s Studies. In 2010 they moved to Chambersburg where they have been ever since. They are the Lead Family Development Specialist at South Central Community Action Programs helping families thrive as they work to find a realistic path out of poverty.

 

They are a co-founder of Pride Franklin County and serve on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Coalition for Progress and Chambersburg PFLAG. They previously served on the board of Homeless Matters of Franklin County. Melissa is currently running for Chambersburg Borough Council Fifth Ward. 

 

Melissa resides in Chambersburg with their child, Benton, and cat, Maxine (Max.) They are an activist & feminist to the core, advocating for equality. They came to UUCV in 2013 and found a place they don’t have to be ashamed of their beliefs. While at UUCV they have served on the Music Committee, RE Committee, SCRT, has taught 3 levels of OWL, and is a worship associate.