Our Community

Melissa Scales Hamilton not only excels as a professional but is a remarkable individual. Her dedication to supporting people in the disability community is unparalleled and sets a standard that stands unrivaled. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Melissa on various projects, where she consistently achieved and even exceeded desired outcomes and goals. What distinguishes Melissa is her sincere dedication to advocating actively for the fair and respectful treatment of people with disabilities. She ensures they are not only heard but also respected and cared for. When it comes to supporting individuals and families, Melissa is unmatched, and it is a true honor and privilege to work alongside her. I am confident that her outstanding success will undoubtedly persist.

- Ambrose Thorpe

I am a recent graduate and was trying to find employment, to no avail. I came across I Am Special and asked them for some career coaching assistance. They helped me develop the confidence to talk positively about myself, which I was always anxious about. They got me to go to a job fair and talk to recruiters in person, something I was not too keen on doing. They helped me develop a system that involved keeping track of my applications and follow-ups. They also were easy to get along with as they took the time to actually get to know me. Right now, I am doing part time work at the local company, and it was all due to them sending me certain jobs in my general location/area of interest. I would recommend this service to anyone trying to build themselves up and are unsure about themselves. I Am Special is definitely a company that has your best interest at heart.

- Lyr Blackwell

Melissa’s personality and demeanor are immeasurable which allow her to communicate effectively, touching all to whom she connects. I have come to expect nothing less than kindness, empathy, thoughtfulness, and diligence but that is just a part of who she is. Partnering with Melissa on numerous projects has taught me that through arduous work, good follow-through, and teamwork, all tasks can be accomplished in a courteous and timely manner.

- William (Will) R. Brownlee, CFJST, CFCC

When I met Melissa, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Melissa’s passion and enthusiasm toward Person-Centered work are truly inspirational. Melissa has a deep understanding of people, making every conversation with her a warm embrace. As a professional who serves adults with disabilities, I strongly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking expertise and mentorship.

- Rye Ellis

Melissa Scales Hamilton came into our lives in January 2020 as my son’s job coach. Despite our being confined to home and dependent on zoom, Melissa found ways to draw Alex out, to engage and coach him, and to help him adapt the skills he had developed at his job to life at home. Melissa didn’t simply focus her energies on Alex; she worked with me, too, as I worked with Alex. The synergies of our collective efforts resulted in Alex’s striking growth at a point in time when many struggled with confinement, separation, and fear. Instead, Melissa laid firm foundations for Alex’s positive development that positioned him to move seamlessly back into the work place. Alex's capabilities and his willingness to engage with others continue to develop because of Melissa’s stunning creative energy, imagination, commitment, and her fabulous sense of humor and whimsy. If ever one needed a revealing example of the power of Wrap Around Care, this is one. It has been an unmitigated pleasure to partner with Melissa on Alex’s behalf.

- Sari Hornstein

I have had the privilege of working with Melissa for many years and in varying circumstances. I found her efforts to serve others in achieving their goals for independence and with obtaining a life of fulfillment to be sincere and consistent. She is kind and compassionate and focused on assisting those she serves to direct their journeys and assists them in achieving what is important and meaningful to them. She individualizes her approach for each client recognizing that every person is unique and special in their own way. Her creativity and determination are shared generously and serve as great motivators to others I look forward to each opportunity to collaborate and work with Melissa and feel those that are given the opportunity to work with her will be better for it.

- Linda Hoyt

As a parent with a child on the spectrum, I have worked with many specialists, educators, and paraprofessionals, but none are better than Melissa Scales Hamilton. Her passion for helping children and adults who have disabilities is unmatched. Melissa has worked with me as a career coach for adults with disabilities for the past three years, and I’ve been extremely impressed with Melissa’s skills as an educator, commitment to her clients, and creativity in her sessions in person and virtually. I have no doubt she will bring the same enthusiasm, rigor, and dedication to any client that she works with in the future. Melissa brings remarkable talent to curriculum design, along with her enthusiasm, positive energy, and attentiveness to clients’ needs. She has won several leadership awards highlighting her creativity and dedication to her clients and their families. She also started her own company, I Am Special LLC, to provide resources to families with adult children with special needs. As a Special Education-certified facilitator, Melissa leads the way in bringing technology into the classroom. She’s also taken the time to train other coaches on how to incorporate technology as an effective vehicle for learning with disabilities. Melissa is the only way to go if you need a dedicated and experienced coach.

- Lindsay Maxwell-Stewart