Melissa

Melissa began her journey at Orleans Technical College in 2018 after working many small jobs in order to make ends meet. She always knew she had a passion for working with her hands and becoming a HVAC technician would allow her to hone those skills and passion, so her leap of faith to Orleans was the best step for her future.

With the assistance of the Orleans Career Services department, she’s been employed since 2018 at increasingly skilled, and better-paying, positions at Christian Heating and Air Conditioning in Southampton. Now 47, she worked through the entire pandemic making house calls, monitoring, repairing, and installing equipment and her journey as a woman in the HVAC field has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer setting an example for young women everywhere.Melissa now has a fulfilling career that promises success and longevity, “HVAC is definitely more fulfilling for me…thank God I thought of this when I did.”

Media Mentions

Read these media stories about Melissa:

Northeast Times “Building a Dream” 3/7/18

Philadelphia Inquirer “HVAC Tech Jobs are in Demand” 8/12/21

The Reporter “JEVS Human Services Holds Strictly Business Award Ceremony 11/29/21

Melissa was a recipient of an “Inspiration Award” from Orleans Tech’s parent organization, JEVS Human Services. Watch this video to learn more about her story.