Melina Danko, MS

WV-Center for Excellence in Disabilities, UCEDD/LEND

Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing

Information/Dissemination
Communications

Parent/Family Resources

Dissemination Family

Family to Family Project Director, PI
Paths for Parents, PI

Communications
Family/Parent/Youth Advocacy

Community Education Directors' Council

Melina Danko is a communications and disability professional with more than 20 years of experience at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, where she provides leadership in communications, marketing, family support, and program development. She serves as Program Director for the WV Family-to-Family Health Information Center and Paths for Parents, supporting families of children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs through information, resources, and peer support.

Her professional expertise includes strategic and health communication, disability and family support, health information, family engagement, program development, training, and translating complex information into accessible, meaningful resources for families and professionals. Her work brings together communication, disability services, and community engagement to strengthen supports for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Danko holds a B.A. in Communication Studies, an M.S. in Journalism, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Communications. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Communication Studies at West Virginia University, further developing her interests in communication, disability, families, and social support.

Melina Danko provides professional and community service focused on disability, family support, health information, and communication. Her service includes leadership within the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, program leadership for family-focused initiatives, professional training and technical assistance, and collaboration with families, community organizations, health care providers, and state agencies. She is committed to advancing family engagement, improving access to information and supports, and translating research and practice into meaningful outcomes for people with disabilities and their families.