Meet Us Monday: Melissa Russell

Melissa Russell is a seasoned foster and adoptive parent from New Hanover County. She has created strong relationships with fellow foster parents in her community and volunteers at the Foster Pantry, which helps connect families and children with essential needs and resources. In addition to being a wife and mother of two, Melissa is in a nursing program, which is a great profession for her compassionate and public servant heart. Melissa values shared parenting. She creates strong, life-long relationships with the children placed with her as well as their families. Years after family reunification, Melissa continues to be involved in their lives and provides emotional and logistical support.

Melissa serves as a Foster Parent on the Child Welfare Family Advisory Council. After speaking at a local Adoption Consortium event, Melissa realized she wanted to do more to strengthen the system. As a council member, she is excited to use her experience and voice to create a more unified and consistent child welfare system. She is passionate about ensuring that all families and youth have access to needed mental and physical health services. As a goal-oriented, tireless advocate for children, Melissa is excited to join her experiences with others to facilitate positive changes and create safer environments for children in North Carolina.