19 Aug Melissa Stayton Hired as Controller

The Youth Opportunity Center recently hired Melissa Stayton as Controller for the Muncie, Indiana based youth treatment facility. With more than fourteen years of experience in the not-for-profit setting and ten years in a for-profit setting, Melissa brings with her well-rounded expertise of business-level finances and accounting. In her experience, she has acted as director for a variety of projects, and has achieved various certifications, including but not limited to, CFO Institute (FQHC), Certified Occupant Specialist and Assisted Housing Manager.

Melissa holds a B.S. in Graphic Arts Management with an Accounting minor from Ball State University and a Master of Business Administration with accounting specialization from Indiana Wesleyan University. Melissa began her career as an accounting manager at Norrick Petroleum Inc. in Muncie, Indiana. She spent the past fourteen years of her career working in various roles and director positions for Aspire Indiana Inc. in Noblesville, Indiana.

“Melissa brings a wealth of experience that is directly tied to the work we do at the YOC,” stated YOC CFO, Kim Burkholder. “In addition to Melissa’s expertise, she brings a high level of professionalism and an outstanding personality which will enhance the Business Department and YOC overall.”

In her new role as Controller with the Youth Opportunity Center, Melissa will be exercising her exceptional communication and leadership skills to assist the Chief Financial Officer with the Accounting and Finance needs for the organization, including preparing and reviewing YOC monthly financial reports and annual budget, assisting with the annual audit, and preparing YOC cost reports in compliance with the Indiana Department of Child Services.

For eight years, Melissa and her husband served as youth group leaders. Through their course of leadership, they strived to instill strong community involvement and leadership skills in the youth as a means of positively impacting the lives of others.  She is also a certified yoga instructor with additional certification in yoga and substance abuse.  She teaches the principle of mindfulness, thus encouraging her students to link a connection between mind and movement.  She currently teaches yoga at a women’s recovery home located in Wayne County.