Melanie McGackin

Melanie serves as a Training and Consultation Specialist at Rutgers Community Living Education Project (CLEP) where she mentors and guides individuals/families as they explore various community living options. Her passion to support, inform, and empower individuals/families to lead person-centered community-based lives is at the forefront of her efforts. Melanie brings with her an array of experience in direct care, information/referral, coordination and delivery of web-based educational programs, and previous experience as the director of training and education at a statewide non-profit. Melanie is committed to improving the quality of life and exploring all community living options for people with Intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

Melanie completed the National Certification in Community Employment Services - Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators, New Jersey Career Path in Developmental Disabilities, and the Rutgers School of Social Work Certificate Program in Leadership Qualities in Disability Employment.

Melanie is the mother of 2 adult children. Her son has an individual budget from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and lives in a provider managed home, living a person-centered life based on his interests.

Melanie is an active member of her Regional Family Support Planning Council for the past 21 years, and an active member of the NJ Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Network’s Person-Centered/Self-Directed Services Committee. She was appointed, and elected state co-chair of the NJ State Special Education Advisory Council, where she advised the state education agency of unmet needs within the education system for students with disabilities.