Biography
Melissa Terwilliger joined ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ as the inaugural Director of Social Services in October 2024. In this newly created position, Terwilliger will serve the needs of students through the SOLAR (Support, Opportunity, Love, Access and Resources) initiative, Clare’s Cupboard, the Hope Fund through a case management structure.
Terwilliger’s professional and personal experiences give her a unique insight into hardships associated with attending school, working full-time, and taking care of her family.
Terwilliger has over ten years serving as a case manager in Berks County, working primarily as a mental health case manager for adults and children. During her time at Service Access & Management, she participated in work groups, trained new case managers and staff, and mentored interns.
Terwilliger also worked at a large rural school district with over 7,000 students in western Pennsylvania as the student support specialist. Her role was to work with all school staff in supporting students and families experiencing homelessness, food and clothing insecurities, as well as attendance concerns. She served on the Dropout Prevention and Alternative Education committees, provided therapy in a partial program and in-home services as a family-based therapist.
Terwilliger’s graduate field placement was at a non-profit human service organization that specialized in supporting survivors of human trafficking. As a board intern, she helped with community outreach, securing referrals, and being a house manager in the safe house.
Terwilliger completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at Kutztown University, where she earned her master’s in social work. She worked a full-time and a part-time job as a single mother while attending graduate school during the start of the pandemic and earned her license in Social Work in November 2023.