Melissa Fernandes

Community-focused operations professional with experience in client intake, nonprofit administration, financial operations, and human resources. Passionate about violence prevention, peacebuilding, and community advocacy, with a commitment to building a long-term career in dispute resolution. Recognized for building efficient systems, embracing new technology, and improving organizational processes.

Intake Specialist (Temporary) at Volunteers of America Western Washington Dispute Resolution Center (2026-04 – 2026-07)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for mediation clients
• Coordinate mediation cases by completing intake, maintaining confidential records in Kintone and SharePoint, scheduling mediations, and supporting mediators.
• Collect payments, maintain accurate case documentation, and support daily office operations.
• Use active listening and conflict resolution skills to assist clients experiencing high-conflict situations and high-paced office and court operations.
• Started Basic Mediation Training

Director/Founder at Mel's Bookkeeping and A Higher Calling PNW Mutual Aid (2020-12 – Present)

• Consultation services, specializing in nonprofit financial operations, grants and fundraising, budgeting, member services, and administration for creative businesses and community aid organizations.
• Develop policy and industry standards in outdoor recreation industry to improve organizational systems and support community programs serving survivors of violent crime.

Investment Portfolio Manager, Sales and Service Manager, and Onboarding HR Manager at US Bank (2011-09 – 2023-01)

• Managed complex client relationships, regulatory banking documentation, staff onboarding and HR management, and daily operations across investment banking and retail banking departments.
• Supervised teams, coordinated training, and consistently delivered high-quality customer service in fast-paced environments.

MBA in Financial Planning – California Lutheran University (2016-06)

BA in Finance – Washington State University Vancouver (2013-06)