Melissa has been working with people experiencing chronic homelessness for over a decade. Bringing experience from both the Salt Lake and Seattle communities, Melissa’s focus is creating and implementing new and innovative housing programs to end homelessness. Using the Housing First model, Melissa is constantly looking for ways to better serve households being served in housing programs in the Salt Lake area and is looking forward to sharing what she has learned.

Blake Fessler, MHA, BSN, RN Blake has worked for more than two decades in health care. Blake currently works at The Fourth Street Clinic, a federally qualified health center, as Outreach Director. Blake oversees several clinical service programs that deliver primary care and behavioral health to clients in community settings. Prior to starting his administrative career, Blake consulted for several successful start-ups companies in northern Utah, worked as an ED charge nurse at a Level II Trauma Center, and as floor nurse with experience in 11 areas subspecialty care. Blake has a passion for serving vulnerable populations and has worked with various nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity, The Utah Special Olympics, and Business for Health Solutions. Outside of work, Blake loves spending time with his wife and four children, boating, cycling, paddleboarding and being outdoors. Blake received his Master of Healthcare Administration from The University of Utah, David Eccles School of Business and holds bachelor’s degrees in foreign language and literature and nursing from Weber State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.