Employee Testimonials - Development Associate

Melanie

Melanie began her Heartspring career as an Administrative Assistant in the Development Department in May of 2006. By February of 2007 she was promoted to Development Associate for Community Involvement. This job includes planning special events, coordinating volunteers and other community education opportunities.

Melanie has a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Wichita State University. Prior to coming to Heartspring, Melanie worked as a Program Coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Wichita. She says she tried working at for-profits after that, but her previous experience led her back to the not-for-profit arena and Heartspring. Melanie says that the biggest difference for her is, “the daily reinforcement of why I’m doing what I do, I get to work in the same building where the kids go to school and receive services.”

Leigh Horsley, Director of Development at Heartspring, says, “Melanie is a wonderful person to work with. She really goes the extra mile, willingly takes on new challenges and keeps her sense of humor no matter how stressful things get. She is great at her job and has the ability to connect with all different kinds of people.”

Melanie has witnessed many extraordinary gifts of both time and money from members of the community. “The most inspiring experience I’ve had at Heartspring involved a boy named David from Mulvane Middle School. Last year during Lights on the Lake he heard our radio commercials and decided he wanted to help the kids at Heartspring. He bought several boxes of candy canes and sold them at school for a quarter each, raising a total of $58.50. That kind of selflessness and generosity from a twelve-year-old boy was so inspiring.”

Working in this position has shown Melanie how supportive local businesses and companies are of organizations such as Heartspring. “I’ve realized what an incredible community Wichita is. They generously give of their time and money for special events and projects on campus.”

Some of my favorite days at work are the days that local companies or organizations bring in gifts for the kids, classrooms or homes. She says the people who come out are, “always amazed by the wonderful children we serve and the miracles that happen every day here.”

But the best part of her job is the kids! “It is amazing to see the kid’s faces light up as they are handed a new toy or stuffed animal, and to see how appreciative teachers and staff are to receive much-needed supplies or equipment. The reactions are priceless. It makes you feel like a kid again to see how excited they get over their presents.”

Melanie has known for a while that she would like to stay in the non-profit sector, and her experience at Heartspring has reinforced that. “Coming to work everyday knowing that what you do helps children with special needs is truly rewarding, and very motivating.”

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