Melissa Diddle is one of our lead intensive in-home service (IIS) specialists. She and her team work hard to help families who are struggling to acquire the skills they need to parent successfully. An avid kayaker, Melissa loves to spend as much time in the water as she can when she’s not working.
Why did you decide to work with children and families for a living?
I have always had a passion for helping others be their best selves. Working with children and families is just one way I can do that and make a difference.
What is intensive in-home services (IIS) and why is it important?
IIS works with families who are at risk of having their children placed in state custody by the Missouri Children’s Division. We work with the whole family to create safe and caring homes. Our goals are to help them create change, learn new skills and improve family functioning. IIS is important because we are allowed time to work with families through their struggles and teach skills that they need to safely care for their children.
What do you wish people knew about the families you work with?
Our families are people too. They are not just words on a page or one person’s opinion. They have survived trauma to get to where they are and do not always have all the skills necessary to create a safe and loving home for their children. Most families are just looking for someone to listen without judgment.
What inspires you to keep going?
Making a difference, even a small one, in the lives of the families I work with.
Learn more about IIS and our intervention services.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current job openings!