Staff Profile: Melissa Bernstein

Melissa Bernstein joined SMS in the Fall of 2012 as an MPH student, then again in Fall of 2014 as the Coordinator of the Region 2 Public Health Training Center (PHTC). She is responsible for oversight and management of PHTC activities—training programs, needs assessment, student field placements—that are centralized out of SMS, along with coordination of Region 2 PHTC offices in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What attracted you to SMS?

The Health Promotion Research and Practice Certificate! I knew that I would come out of my MPH program with a solid set of sought-after skills in addition to training in social justice. Later when I joined as staff, I was excited to work on a grant that supported public health practice that also gave me the opportunity to promote trainings highlighting the work of SMS faculty.

What are your interests/activities outside of work?

Enjoying New York City—especially when the weather is nice, cooking in my tiny apartment, exercising (swing dancing, running and weight training), and photography. I also spend time dreaming up potential travel plans.

Favorite New York activity?

This is easy: spending time in Central Park, especially during the summer!