Melanie Richardson

Melanie Richardson, MSW, LMSW is a native of New Orleans. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Norte Dame, a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed her formal education with a specialist degree in community college teaching from Arkansas State University.

Melanie is the co-founder and executive director of TrainingGrounds, which has been working in New Orleans since 2016 to fill gaps in early childhood care and education. In 2017, Melanie fulfilled her dream of opening a free and easily accessible We PLAY Center where caregivers and children grow and learn together, while building healthy brains in children and fostering positive parenting skills and confidence in adults. Her leadership has led TrainingGrounds to developing international partnerships while leading early childhood care and education agencies and other community-based organizations. Under Melanie’s leadership, TrainingGrounds has experienced tremendous growth and continues to be a trusted source for parents and early childhood educators throughout the Greater New Orleans area.

Melanie volunteers by serving as Co Chair of the March of Dimes Steering Committee, Louisiana Department of Health’s Child Death Reviews Committee, Louisiana Parenting Education Network(LAPEN) Advisory Committee, NewPromise Venture Early Childhood Leaders of Color (ECLOC Collaborative) Steering Committee, New Orleans Parent Leadership Collaborative Steering Committee and Catholic Charities Head Start Health Advisory Committee.