Melissa Walton

What makes Melissa Wildly Capable?

Melissa has a kind and caring soul. Her heart for helping people shines through. She never wants credit for anything and is always much happier being in the background. She has been a light in my life professionally and personally, and she deserves to be recognized for all of her hard work in diversion programs. CHRISTINA BOLTON 

What makes you feel proud? 

I feel proud when my community works together. Oklahoma County has many organizations that collaborate to holistically treat our most vulnerable citizens. Even having a small part in streamlining a process or creating a program that makes life better for someone, I am beaming. I am the biggest cheerleader for my teammates, my friends, participants of Treatment Court, and strangers I just met. 

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why? 

My mother has always shown me how to be smart and successful and truly modeled work-life balance. She had a great career and I loved going to work with her. She always had her supportive group of female friends and was very intentional in making time to spend with them. 

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different? 

I want to know that I assumed the best in other people’s actions. It’s easy to rise to anger or frustration in a situation. I want to pause and assess how communication can be lost in translation and continue to be solutions-based in my responses. 

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far? 

In 2020, my husband and I decided to separate. It was difficult because neither of us wanted to fail at our relationship. We moved forward in our own way, at our own pace and doing what worked for us. 

What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community? 

So many of our fellow residents end up in prison due to a mental health or substance use disorder. Currently, we are missing out on federal dollars for long term sustainability to ensure the resources are in place for all eligible individuals to get the treatment and the opportunity for the life they deserve. I would love to get more federal dollars in Oklahoma County to support Treatment Courts and diversion programs.