Melanie Lachman, LCSW serves as the UPSLIDE Program Coordinator for the Tallahassee Senior Center where she helps connect older adults with each other and with activities and programs at TSC and the broader community with the goal of enhancing mental, emotional and physical health. Melanie has nearly 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, doing individual and group counseling and community outreach. She came to the Senior Center from Big Bend Hospice where she worked for 14 years as a grief counselor. Prior to that, Melanie worked as an substance abuse counselor and with at risk youth at DISC Village. Melanie is passionate about helping people reach their full potential whatever their age.

Simona Combi managed media relations for several nonprofit research and advocacy organizations, including the Center for Global Policy Solutions and the Urban Institute. Most recently, she worked for IQ Solutions—a NIH contractor—to support the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s press team. She brings experience generating national media coverage and preparing national level spokespeople for interviews.