NAU Honors Quality Connections Co-Founder
Melissa Bernasconi, who co-founded Quality Connections 25 years ago, was recently honored by her alma mater, Northern Arizona University, which inducted her into the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame at a earlier this month.
The recognition celebrates her decades of dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through advocacy, creative programming, and social entrepreneurship – and it gives us the perfect excuse to brag on someone who typically eschews the spotlight.
Melissa grew up in Middletown, New York, not far from Poughkeepsie. After graduating high school, she decided to follow her adventurous spirit – and a sister who was living in Sedona – and head west to Arizona, where she enrolled at NAU and pursued a degree in psychology with a minor in sociology.
During her senior year, she completed an internship working alongside individuals with disabilities. After graduating, she advised the nonprofit where she had interned that they should hire her. They did and she worked there for a decade.
The Launch of Quality Connections
When that program wound down, Melissa and her husband, Armando, began their own non-profit, Quality Connections. In addition to their experience working with disabled individuals, they were also motivated by their friendship with Armando’s college roommate, Ben Sutcliffe, who had cerebral palsy. Among Ben’s dearest wishes was to be gainfully employed and to fall in love and get married.
What started in their dining room and garage in 1999 as a small employment service blossomed into a multi-faceted organization, including QC Office, a social enterprise that was launched when Melissa and Armando were awarded a $750,000 Rehabilitation Services Administration Establishment Grant from the state. QC Office’s first employee was Ben.
(Ben also did fall in love and get married, by the way – Armando was his best man.)
Over the years, Quality Connections evolved beyond employment services, expanding to include:
- Residential programs
- A Montessori-inspired Adult Day Program
- Evergreen Academy, a highly-rated preschool and training center for our members interested in careers in childcare and early childhood education
- In-home and respite services for caregivers
“We started by trying to help people find jobs and prepare them for the workforce,” Melissa explains. “Now we were able to do training and provide meaningful employment through QC Office and our preschool in addition to placing people in the community.”
Transitions
Melissa served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Quality Connections until 2012. While she had a clear vision for the organization, Melissa says Armando was the one willing to take more risks.
“Armando was always the one ready to try new things,” she says. “I’m more conservative – I worry about things. But I think we got where we are because of his leadership and ability to take chances.”
Stepping down from the CEO role was a thoughtful choice.
“In 2012, I realized that raising our daughter Gabriela and being present in her life was my priority,” she reflects. “Armando was the better candidate to lead the organization at that time, and it turned out to be the best move for us in the long run.”
Today, Gabriela is 20 years old, and Melissa cherishes the memories of attending her school functions and watching her grow.
Securing Partnerships for Future Growth
Melissa now serves as Development Director for Quality Connections, pursuing grants, building partnerships, and working with NAU interns and faculty.
“My big focus is making connections,” she said. “It’s a good role for me.”
Beyond Quality Connections, Melissa has been a steadfast advocate for disability awareness in the Flagstaff community. She volunteered with the City of Flagstaff Disability Awareness Commission for 20 years, serving as chairperson and earning recognition for her tireless efforts.
Congratulations, Melissa Bernasconi, on your well-deserved recognition in NAU’s Hall of Fame! Your journey is an inspiration to us all.
Melissa has done thoughtful and compassionate work for so many of the people who live in and around Flagstaff. You deserve the recognition that has been bestowed upon you by NAU SBS Hall of Fame.
Congratulations and keep up the good work.
Brent Martin
Awesome story!
Congratulations Melissa for a well deserved recognition. So happy for you! We are all so proud of you and feel blessed to have you in our lives. Love you and felicidades!!
Melissa is my baby sista!!❤️
Wow, what an honor Melissa! You certainly deserve the recognition for the work you and Armando have performed in our community. Congratulations and blessings.