Melissa Cribby

Melissa smiling while wearing a light blue sweater.

Mentor

Melissa has always had a passion for helping others. This began when she saw the positive impact that speech therapy had on her younger brother. This love for supporting individuals of all abilities led her to volunteer at Nova's Ark in 2017. She then joined us as a staff member in our 2025 Summer Program and is now a mentor in our "Out of the Box" program.

As a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a BSc Honours in Psychology, Melissa hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Melissa has worked as a Preschool Teaching Assistant, where she supported students with a wide range of abilities and individual needs. She has also volunteered in classrooms to help support teachers and educational assistants. Growing up as a hockey player, Melissa always volunteered in assisting youth teams in various capacities. Through these experiences, she truly saw the importance of patience, adaptability and meeting individuals where they are at.

As a mentor, Melissa aims to build meaningful connections with each participant, ensuring they not only feel included but truly understood. Melissa always tailors her approach to fit that individual's unique needs, strengths and ways of communication. Her goal is to help create opportunities for each participant to build their confidence and skills while empowering them.

Participant smiling with bouquet of flowers.

Unlike everywhere else I’ve been, at Nova’s Ark, I do not feel out of place. It gives me something that I feel like I can’t find anywhere else. I meet people that I otherwise wouldn’t meet and I feel like a lot of those who have helped me through my struggles I’ve met here.
Bridget, Participant since 2010

Nova’s Ark is special to our whole family. When Daniel first started here, he could only speak one-word sentences. Now, he can talk your ear off and is very independent. Daniel being at Nova’s Ark takes a lot of pressure off of our family because we know he is safe, happy and learning. No matter the weather or if he is tired, Daniel doesn’t want to miss a day.
Daniel’s Mom, a participant since 2014

From the moment our son started attending Novas Ark, we felt such positivity, hope and inspiration. Everyone in the Nova’s Ark family has been so caring and accepting of our whole family. Nova’s Ark has gone above and beyond to help us on our family’s journey and we are beyond thankful. We are so lucky to have found such a supportive environment for our children and our family.
Parent, Shannon K.

Melissa Cribby

Mentor

Everyone Can Make A Difference

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