Summary
Mother to a young son with several complex medical conditions.
Melissa Bart-Plange is a Las Vegas native and the proud mother of two amazing children. Her advocacy journey began shortly after the birth of her son, who was diagnosed with several complex medical conditions, including Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Cortical Vision Impairment, and Hearing Loss.
Facing the realities of ongoing medical appointments, therapies, and care planning, Melissa quickly became a determined advocate, not only for her son’s health but for his right to live a full, supported, and joyful life. From collaborating with doctors and therapists to working alongside educators and care teams, she has committed herself to ensuring her child receives the services he needs to thrive.
Central to Melissa’s work is her passion for building community. She is deeply committed to connecting families who are navigating similar experiences to additional resources or be a listening ear. Her mission is to create spaces where these families feel seen, supported, and empowered to advocate for their children and themselves.
Sharing her family’s story is Melissa’s way of shining a light on both the challenges and the beauty of life with a medically complex child. While their path may be different from many, Melissa believes it is no less meaningful. Their journey is one of resilience, hope, and love.
Education
- The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
- The State Special Education Advisory Committee
- The Children’s Advocacy Alliance
- The Rare Disease Advisory Council
- The Strong Start Coalition