“I’m not done yet.” Four simple words that say everything about Melissa.
Melissa said this to us when she chose to extend her time with our family— eight-year-old twin boys, thirteen-year-old daughter, a dog, and a cat—for a second year. Not because it was easy, but because she felt her work with our children was not finished. Those words capture Melissa’s selfless ambition and extraordinary commitment. She is someone who does not move on until she has fully done what she came to do.
She had every reason to go home. She is pursuing an advanced degree that demands nights and weekends, and she has loved ones who miss her deeply. It is humbling that she considered this and still decided: I’m not done yet.
As parents of children with diverse special needs, we approach interviews with Care Professionals cautiously. We often hear a version of, “One child would be easier than three.” From our very first conversation, Melissa stood out. Trained as a social worker, she spoke about her experience in residential care homes and said, “What a treat to only have three kids.” In that moment, we knew she was rare—a true “glass half full” person.
Melissa has changed our lives, but one story captures the depth of her impact. One of our sons was considered unlikely to ever be toilet-trained due to sensory, communication, and processing challenges. Many would have accepted that limitation. Melissa did not. She worked toward that goal relentlessly—never complaining, never framing the task as too difficult, and never giving up. She never counted the hours spent sitting with him over a summer, through scratches, pulled hair, and broken jewelry. The only thing she ever said was, “We will get there.”
And she was right.
He achieved something he was never expected to achieve, gaining independence and dignity. One less thing to make him feel “different.” I don’t know if we were more awed by
the outcome or the process: Melissa’s persistence and unwavering belief in his potential. Because of her, our son’s life will always be richer, more confident, and more independent.
It takes a lot for special needs children to get through some days. When they become frustrated and uncompliant, I have watched Melissa sit patiently with them, calm, firm, and clear. Rather than engaging in power struggles, rarely successful, she opts to teach strategies and build skills over her own short-term ease.
We never come home to a list of what went wrong, but to what went right—to thoughtful, transformative changes: reward boards, personalized calendars, and systems that foster independence. One son now dresses himself, brushes his teeth, and proudly carries outdaily skills because he wants to. That desire is something Melissa unlocked.
Melissa embodies a growth mindset in everything. She integrates her social work background, her studies, and caregiving with creativity and initiative. She supports each child in the way they need most. She is a friend to our thirteen-year-old, who needs someone firmly on her side during the challenges of middle school. She provides reassurance to a son with deep anxiety, often baking with him, an activity that gives him comfort and control. She even took him to his first movie at the cinema and laughed, telling us how he sat on her lap, clinging to her neck throughout the saga of Lilo & Stitch. For our non-verbal son, Melissa strikes a balance of structure and compassion, treating him like any other kid as much as possible. Saying “Melissa” is a struggle, but “A,” as he calls her, is his safe space.
Melissa also teaches lessons in thoughtfulness. She brings her German traditions—Nikolaustag is always celebrated—and at Christmas, our children were welcomed by a spread worthy of the most generous Santa, not just in quantity but in how perfectly each gift was chosen (e.g. plenty of Taylor Swift for our 13-year-old Swiftie!). She makes our children feel seen, capable, and empowered.
Parenting children with special needs comes with constant worry—today, tomorrow, the years ahead. Yet although I travel frequently, I never worry when away. I know everything will be handled with excellent judgment and care. That peace of mind is invaluable.
Finally, Melissa is a joy to have in our home. She is a true part of the family, spending time with us even when “off.” She is funny, smart, sassy, supportive, and flexible. She never seeks praise but simply “shows up” every day, even while pursuing her master’s degree, so she can continue making a difference for years to come.
That is why Melissa deserves to be CP of the Year. She lives a growth mindset, goes the extra mile, brings out the best in others, and approaches each day with positivity. Most of all, because she meant it when she said she wasn’t done yet—the impact she leaves will last a lifetime. She is loved, has our deepest gratitude, and will always be part of our family.
Clafin-August Family
