KidSight is pleased to announce Melissa Stephenson’s appointment as its new executive director. With a robust background in public health, program management, and community engagement, Stephenson brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to KidSight.
Stephenson has been an integral part of the KidSight team since April 2014, when she joined the team as Impact Coordinator. In this grant-funded position, she ensured the timely completion of all grant deliverables and developed and maintained critical relationships with external stakeholders. She significantly increased the program follow-up rate from 28% to 75%. In January 2017, Stephenson was promoted to program manager, where she managed day-to-day program operations.
Stephenson holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri, completed in 2014, and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the same institution, completed in 2012. Additionally, she earned an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Three Rivers College in 2010. Her academic and professional journey is a testament to her commitment to improving public health and community well-being.
“Melissa’s proven leadership, innovative approach, and passion for our mission make her the ideal choice to lead KidSight into the future,” said Pat Martchink, president of the board of directors at KidSight. “We are confident that under her guidance, KidSight will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of children across Missouri.”
In her new role as executive director, Stephenson aims to expand KidSight’s outreach, enhance its programs, and foster stronger community partnerships. She is dedicated to continuing the organization’s mission of ensuring that all children have access to essential vision screening and care.
About KidSight
KidSight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free vision screenings for children. The program was founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1995 with a handful of volunteers screening a few hundred children a year. Today, KidSight’s program has grown to screen the vision of more than 45,000 kids throughout Missouri each year with the help of trained staff and volunteers operating across the state. To learn more visit www.kid-sight.org.