Care to Learn is proud to announce the promotion of Melissa Rea to the role of Vice President of Chapter Services, effective January 2026. In this new position, she will work directly with superintendents and implement strategies to grow Chapter reach and ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of each school district partnership. 

“Care to Learn’s Chapters are the heart of our mission, and I’m honored to support the incredible educators and volunteers who work every day to meet students’ most basic needs,” says Rea. “I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place, expand our ability to help more children, and ensure every Chapter has the tools, training, and support needed to make a lasting impact in their communities.”

Melissa joined the Care to Learn team in August 2017, serving in multiple roles, including Springfield Chapter Services Specialist, Clothing Closet Coordinator, Springfield Chapter Services Coordinator, and Director of Chapter Services. Under her leadership, the Care to Learn Clothing Closet Program, an initiative to provide on-site closets full of clothing staples and hygiene products for students, has grown immensely and is now available at every Springfield Public Schools site.

“Melissa brings a deep commitment to Care to Learn’s mission and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our partner school districts,” says Krystal Simon, CEO. “Her leadership will continue to be instrumental in strengthening our existing Chapters and helping serve even more students.”

Melissa graduated from Missouri State University and remains passionately involved in her community. She served as president of Queen City Sertoma and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. She was awarded Club and District "Sertoman of the Year" in 2015, and in 2023, Springfield Business Journal recognized her as one of the community's "40 Under 40."

Care to Learn’s mission is to meet children’s emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school. Since 2008, Care to Learn has celebrated more than 4.5+ million Missouri student success stories. The nonprofit is headquartered in Springfield, Mo., and partners with 45+ school districts across Missouri. To learn more, visit www.caretolearn.org.