Amy Melchior

About Amy Melchior

I am an experienced education leader with success in advancing literacy policy, instructional improvement, and systems-level change. I led a cross-functional team as the Federal Program Director delivering technical assistance through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development National Literacy Center, supporting states and districts in creating state literacy plans.I bring a servant leadership style grounded in collaboration, strategic thinking, and results-driven decision-making.Passionate about sustainability and equity in education, I specialize in helping organizations address complex challenges by leveraging research-based solutions. I’ve built trusted partnerships across school districts, foundations, government agencies, and private entities—connecting people, resources, and ideas to drive measurable impact.My work sits at the intersection of child development, evidence-based practice, and organizational leadership—supporting schools, families, and communities in creating environments where all children can thrive.Most recently, I’ve expanded my impact into clinical and behavioral health as the Director of School-Based Programs at Kids Thrive, where I oversee therapeutic services for children ages 3–12 experiencing significant mental and behavioral health challenges. In this role, I lead a multidisciplinary clinical team, ensure fidelity to evidence-based interventions, guide individualized treatment planning, and strengthen family partnerships through coaching and collaborative care. I also shape program strategy, support staff development, and systems that promote emotional regulation, shared attention, and positive peer interaction using the Developmental Repair Model.My earlier career includes serving as a Senior Research Scientist and Principal and Teacher in Ohio, where I championed continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable instructional systems.My core strengths include relationship development, strategic planning, clinical and instructional design, and leading teams through complex change

Experience

1. Director, School-based Programming

   Kids Thrive

   Dec 2025 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   As the Director of School-Based Programs at Kids Thrive, I lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of therapeutic services for children ages 3–12 experiencing significant mental and behavioral health challenges. Kids Thrive’s outpatient programs center on the Developmental Repair Model, helping children build foundational skills such as shared attention, emotional regulation, following directions, and positive peer interaction. Family partnership is at the heart of the work, with coaching and therapy sessions that strengthen caregivers’ capacity to support their child’s growth.In this role, I oversee a multidisciplinary clinical team, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based interventions across all school-based settings. My responsibilities include staff development and maintaining fidelity to best practices in child mental health. I guide individualized treatment planning, and collaborate closely with families, educators, and community partners to support each child’s progress.I also facilitate team meetings, provide consultation, and help shape program strategy to meet the evolving needs of students and schools. My work integrates deep expertise in child development, education, and family-centered care, with a commitment to creating supportive, developmentally responsive environments where children can thrive.

Education

• The Ohio State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Education

  1991 — 1995

• The Ohio State University

  Master's degree, Education Policy and Leadershp

  2000 — 2001

• The Ohio State University

  Master of Education (MEd), Education

  1995 — 1996