Melanie Young 

melanie@thriveadvocacygroup.com

Melanie works as an education consultant/advocate and a cofounder at Thrive Advocacy Group. As a devoted advocate and educator for children with special needs, Melanie Young has had the privilege of teaching and advocating for students with special needs for over twenty years. Melanie has a broad range of experience spanning from preschool special education to transition aged services. She is passionate about developing individualized programing to best meet each child’s needs. 

Melanie’s career began when she acquired her PA teaching certification in both elementary K-6 and special education K-21. While teaching in the elementary and middle public-school setting as a special education teacher, she earned her graduate degree from the George Washington University specializing in special education transition. During this time, Melanie attended congressional hearings that sought to improve the lives of individuals with special needs. She volunteered at the Heath Resource Center, a national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. 

In 2016, Melanie completed the intensive Wilson Reading Certification program, which led to the development of her private tutoring company, teaching individuals with dyslexia, Young Literacy Connection. Melanie worked as a Reading Specialist Independent Contractor for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Melanie completed her Slippery Rock University’s Reading Specialist Certification program in 2020 and is a PA certified Reading Specialist.

Since 2018, Melanie worked for a local law firm  specializing in education law as an advocate.