Melissa joined Apex (then CBC) in November of 2018 as Interim Director and Strategic Consultant.  After nearly a year, a name change, and lots of inspiring interactions with Apex youth, she knew she didn’t want to leave and became permanent E.D. in October of 2019.

Melissa has been a child advocate her entire career.  She began as a teacher then spent over a decade as an education and juvenile justice lawyer before beginning non-profit work.  She comes to Apex with 15+ years of non-profit leadership experience.  

Melissa serves on the Boards of the Maine Children’s Alliance, Youth & Family Outreach in Portland, and Biddeford-Saco Rotary.  She was a member of the Upsilon Class of Leadership Maine.  Melissa loves hiking, camping, snow sports, making stained glass art, acting in community theater, and riding horses.   

director@apexyouthconnection.org

With a proven track record of success in driving development for growing companies and startups, Michael is a perfect addition to the Apex team leading our developing Apex Builds program and other job readiness efforts.  His experience as a classroom teacher and youth development professional lend an even greater contribution.  Michael is known to deliver strong communications with a high emotional IQ, adept at cross-functional team building and training, leadership development, and implementing innovative strategies to meet and exceed organizational goals.

Michael leads through influence and has a strong sense of cross-organizational teamwork delivering world-class solutions. His expertise in solving real world problems and transforming operations, combined with his remarkable ability to develop successful relationships will lead Apex to new opportunities with our business and educational partners.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from the University of Vermont, with earlier undergraduate studies completed at the University of Southern Maine. The proud father of two daughters, Michael enjoys year-round outdoor sports, including mountain biking, hiking, skiing and is a Maine JHS &HS Basketball Official.

jobreadiness@apexyouthconnection.org

Maxine works at Apex as the Leadership & Empowerment Program Manager. She brings a passion for restorative practices, youth empowerment and social justice to the role, with nearly a decade of experience in the field. She earned her Masters of Social Work in 2017 from the University of New England in Portland. She most recently worked as a youth outreach and empowerment coordinator, and has previously worked in prevention education, youth mentoring programs, restorative justice, school social work and case management. She enjoys supporting youth in their growth and learning, helping youth find and pursue their passions and advocating for youth opportunities. At Apex, Maxine uses her experience as a social worker and advocate to support youth through programming that provides opportunities like community engagement, relationship building, service, life and leadership skill building, social emotional learning and more. Maxine does her work through the lenses of restorative practice, person-in-environment, strengths-based, and trauma informed concepts.

Originally from Vermont, Maxine moved to Maine in 2015 to pursue her graduate degree. She loves New England and enjoys taking adventures around to discover and enjoy all the beautiful communities and nature in the area. She lives with her husband and their (many) animals. In her free time she is passionate about music (she would be glad to tell you everything she knows about her favorite bands), art, getting outside, gardening, cooking, reading, and laughing with friends.

empowerment@apexyouthconnection.org

​Dannielle is a fun and adventurous true Mainah-gal! She grew up Portland before making her way down to Connecticut for college. She graduated with a triple minor in psychology, sociology and philosophy. She moved back to Maine when she graduated and started working as a behavioral health professional specializing in working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. She loves working with children and seeing them blossom and grow! Dannielle is with Apex through special support from the City of Biddeford. Each day through 2pm, she works as a support specialist at Seeds of Hope in Biddeford. She helps individuals, or as we call it neighbors, find housing, obtain/fill out applications, assist homeless individuals connect to resources/housing, prepare job readiness, find jobs and assist in teaching digital literacy skills. In the afternoons, she supports kids in Apex programs.  She loves building relationships with the kids and is happy to be a part of the team!
empowerment@apexyouthconnection.org
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A better title for Matthew is "Community Servant /  Problem Solver" as he has served in the Biddeford community for over 25 years.   He is a member of the Biddeford Police who specializes in Crime Scene Investigation and Crash Reconstruction.  Matthew also owns his own Forensic Training and Consulting Company.  A firm believer in giving back wherever he can, Matthew supports Apex AFTER his full-time job!  He is at Apex HQ three days each week in the afternoon.  In his spare time, Matthew is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and off grid traveler. 

admin@apexyouthconnection.org

 
STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RYAN, OUR NEW SOCIAL WORK INTERN FROM VERMONT!