Board Spotlight - Melissa Lorson

This month we are featuring Board Member, Melissa Lorson. Thank you for your hard work, vision and leadership in support of our mission!

How long have you been serving on the Board at ICPYAS and what is your role?

This is my second term on the board. I served from 2013-2018 where I served as Treasurer for 4 years. I am now back on the board 3 months, currently on the finance committee.

How did you learn about ICPYAS and become involved?

The past board president Jon Kizer is a family friend. He invited me to join.

What do you do for a living?

I am the VP of Finance for Helmer Scientific.

What is your proudest ICPYAS moment?

Its actually a series of moments, I always had a joyous feeling when we finished our gala in the fall.

What motivates you the most to serve others?

I have always felt the need to help others where I can. When I first joined, it was about my then school aged son, I wanted to make the world he grew up in to be a better place.

What is your favorite quote and why?

I don't really have a favorite inspirational quote. I like to intentionally mix up sayings. I say "Even a blind nut finds a squirrel once in awhile" or "its not rocket surgery" more often than I should probably admit. It’s just a fun way to say the same thing and keep people on their toes. I try to find the humor in the mundane.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My job is very analytical, so I enjoy crafty colorful artistic things as hobbies. I make jewelry and paint canvases and crafts. I love sports and attend games whenever I have the chance. Not so much in 2020.

What about ICPYAS’s mission and work really motivates you?

I am inspired by the fact that ICPYAS reaches so many school age children and gives them a confidential way to disclose any issues they are having.

What would you most like people to know about ICPYAS?

While known for is long time work in prevention of child sexual abuse, ICPYAS is also a leader in education and awareness for suicide prevention.