About Melissa Cullen
Melissa Cullen has a rich family heritage, with her Sicilian and Italian dad and Portuguese and Cape Verdean mom. She is also the middle child of a large family of five sisters and three brothers. Melissa has fond memories of her childhood, growing up in Brighton, Massachusetts, until her family moved into their dream home in Newton, MA. Her street was filled with large families, each with four or five children, creating an energetic, close-knit neighborhood that felt like one big extended family.
Melissa has two brothers, Richard and Demetrious. Demetrius, her eldest brother, became a basketball star in the early 1980s, opening the door for Melissa and inspiring her to try out for and participate in track and gymnastics. She was also the co-captain of the cheerleading team for two years. Richard Jones, her youngest brother, became a professional athlete and was featured on multiple magazine covers.
There were also some challenging times for Melissa due to the racial tensions in Newton South. As the only black family in the neighborhood, she became uncomfortable when an unexpected racial war erupted.
Melissa enjoyed her time as a Camp Director. She had spent summers every year at camp with her brothers and sisters from the age of seven and was drawn to making the camp experience special for children. When she was old enough, Melissa started a Counselor in Training (CIT) program, working her way up to Assistant Program Director.
She took several courses at Newbury College and Suffolk University in Boston, studying interior design.
Melissa has had a storied career. She has served as a wedding designer and planner, ran two different daycare centers, and opened and owned a flower shop called Floral Expressions. She has also worked in home interior design and real estate and helped organize a teen center and camp before focusing on establishing her new nonprofit.
from the blog
