June 5, 2025
Bridging the Distance
Melissa Wilson, a Care Coordinator based in Horseheads, NY, is a critical advocacy partner and source of communication for a family supported by Person Centered Services.
The partnership between a Care Coordinator and a family can be life-changing, empowering, and essential!
Robin Tyler is the legal guardian for her son, Johnathan Mullen, who is an adult living more than two hours from her home in Fulton, NY. She relies on Melissa Wilson, a Care Coordinator for Person Centered Services in the Horseheads, NY area, to keep her up-to-date on Johnathan’s goals, struggles, and needs.
“Melissa has been an integral part of my son’s programming,” said Robin. “She’s always available and lets me know what is happening. She’s just been wonderful!”
Melissa and Robin have worked together since 2023. They are both dedicated to advocating for Johnathan, ensuring that he is engaged with environments where he can thrive and flourish.
As a Care Coordinator, Melissa offers a bridge between Johnathan and the services he receives. Melissa actively assists with identifying activities and opportunities that will best support Johnathan.
“When you find a good Care Coordinator, you want to hug them and clone them,” said Robin. “That’s Melissa! She’s always been there for me and my son.”
Melissa Wilson has an extensive background working on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a variety of settings for more than two decades. This encourages her to think outside the box and effectively engage with providers.
“Person Centered Services allows me to excel and hyper-focus on things,” said Melissa. “This flexibility makes my work possible. I’ve never felt this supported by an organization.”
Robin remains genuinely happy with the Care Coordination her family gets from Person Centered Services.
“The services a good Care Coordinator provides cannot be replicated,” she said. “Person Centered Services has been so helpful.”
Robin works in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field, which provides her with a unique perspective and an appreciation for organizations making a difference. She credits both Person Centered Services and The Arc Chemung-Schuyler for transformative changes in her son’s life.
Since Johnathan was a child, it was recognized that he would need an Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) for housing and respite care as he grew older. Care Coordination helps Johnathan remain linked to high quality services. Johnathan also works with a job coach and has maintained employment in the Courtyards at Bethany Village for nearly six years.
“He has really grown with his current program,” said Robin, who coordinates times to see her son in person at least once a month. She continues to rely on Melissa for professional recommendations and to make provider connections that will be beneficial for Johnathan’s future.
“Melissa goes that extra mile,” said Robin. “She is very flexible with her time, calling at the times that work best for me. I’m so appreciative!”
Care Coordinators like Melissa Wilson exemplify the person-centered approach at Person Centered Services. The strength of her partnership with Robin Tyler and Johnathan Mullen is an inspiring example of how Care Coordination can create greater stability for families, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their potential!
Photos of Johnathan Mullen provided by Robin Tyler.