Prevention and Outreach
Melanie Vehslage, MPH (she/her), Prevention Coordinator: In her position at YSB, Melanie focuses on promoting safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for youth, families, and youth workers. She came to Bloomington for school in 2007 and worked a variety of direct care settings to support adults and youth with mental health or substance use diagnoses. In these roles, she supported clients navigating the social service systems in Monroe County, aiming to ensure access to basic needs like housing and healthcare. With a goal of working more upstream in the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and having a broader community impact, she went back for her Masters in Public Health in 2016, when she interned with BTCC's first Prevention Coordinator. After completing her degree, she worked for nearly 8 years at Monroe County Health Department in harm reduction and population health, collaborating with community partners to build a healthier Monroe County. She moved into the Prevention role in January 2025, and is excited to use her experiences across the SEM to support a resilient community for youth and those who support youth to thrive!
Jessica Brown, she/her, Safe Place/YSB Outreach Coordinator: In her position at YSB, Jessica is dedicated to promoting safe and inclusive communities for young individuals. With more than 6 years of experience as a Senior Environmental Health Specialist at Monroe County Health Department, Jessica possesses strong skills in implementing effective outreach strategies, building strong community partnerships, and advocating for the well-being of vulnerable populations. In her current role she is excited to channel her expertise towards empowering youth, promoting their safety, and making a positive impact in their lives. Outside of YSB, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, pups included and has a Chick-fil-A obsession.
