Melissa Lyon, EdD

Melissa is a Community Development Specialist with the Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA). She holds degrees in Sociology and Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. Prior to joining CMCOA, Melissa spent 15 years at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, where she taught sociology and managed the Service-Learning Program. 

Melissa’s interdisciplinary background strengthens her work in aging services, bringing a multidimensional lens to issues impacting older adults, a commitment to intergenerational collaboration, and a strong interest in applied research. As part of CMCOA’s Community Development Team, she provides guidance and support to organizations and community initiatives focused on home- and community-based services, age-friendly and dementia-friendly efforts, and mental health and wellness. Her work centers on fostering connected, inclusive communities where older adults and caregivers can flourish.