Senior Director of Human Resources
Melissa Payne, SPHR
Year of Hire
Education
Master of Arts, Occupational Therapy
D’Youville College, Buffalo, New York
Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy
D’Youville College, Buffalo, New York
Associate of Applied Science, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Erie Community College, Buffalo, New York
Professional Accomplishments
Notary Public – State of New York
Senior Professional in Human Resources – 2008
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to cook, though not every dish is a winner, I still enjoy trying new recipes and techniques. I like playing games, watching movies, thrifting and home improvement projects. I love those days when, as a family (along with the dog) we will pile into the car for a spontaneous day trip. We enjoy great conversation, laughter and music until we find an interesting restaurant, shop or hiking trail.
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
I was born and raised near the Northwest Office of Neighborhood Health Center. I lived with my mother, two brothers and my grandmother. We lived paycheck to paycheck and if someone needed a doctor’s visit, something else had to give. That always felt wrong to me. The most inspiring part of my job is impacting the lives of people in this community. I am able to provide full time jobs with fair wages and good benefits to kind people. I help to spread the word to uninsured and underinsured families that affordable healthcare is available to them. I am proud to do work that is important to me and to my community.