President & Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Melany J. Silas-Chandler is a lifelong learner and educator. A native of Rochester, NY. she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Society and a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Rochester, a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and a PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education from Syracuse University.  Over the past 25 years, Dr. Silas-Chandler has partnered with numerous community stakeholders serving as a visionary, program developer, community consultant, conference organizer, trainer, minister, and counselor educator. 

Dr. Silas-Chandler’s research specializes around mental health help-seeking and self-care strategies of marginalized communities, with a focus on Black women and girls. She includes aspects of restorative meditation and breath-work, to create culturally relevant strategies of healing in the areas of self-care, self-love, mental health, emotional wellness, grief, loss, and trauma informed care. Her research has served as the foundation for developing curriculum for K-12 and higher education institutions, at the local and state levels, as well as for community-based projects, programs, workshops, webinars, and professional development training. 

Dr. Silas-Chandler is also a playwright, artist and community leader. Over the life of her career, Dr. Silas-Chandler has written, directed and produced numerous conferences, projects, and events of healing and transformation servings thousands of women and girls. She has hosted several celebrities including icon Angela Davis. 

Her work and efforts have been recognized over the years. She has been honored with numerous awards to include the 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award by the University of Rochester, the 2012 Woman of the Year Award by the Black Heritage Commission of the City of Rochester, the 2014 Inspiring Woman of the Year award by Breakthru Magazine, the 2015 Artist Award recipient by the LINKS, Rochester Chapter, the 2017 Influential Woman Award by ROC Awards, the 2017 Sisterhood Award by Zeta Phi Beta, Psi Omega Zeta Chapter, the 2017 and 2018 Chapter Service Award from the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for serving as Chapter President, and the 2020 Women of Excellence Award by Rochester Business Journal.

Dr. Silas-Chandler’s most treasured roles: Wife to her Husband Rodney, Mother to her Daughter, Nyah Anita, and family member and sister to her closest family and friends.