Meet the Experts: Melodie Bissell on “Elder Abuse”

For this edition of Meet the Experts, we’re talking with Melodie Bissell on the problem of Elder Abuse. Melodie is the President and CEO of Plan to Protect, an ECAP Affiliate Member. How big of a problem is Elder Abuse? Should the church care? What does it look like to advocate for these vulnerable image-bearers at the end of their life? These questions and more will be the subject of our conversation on August 24th at 4pm EDT.

About our Expert:

Having worked with churches, charities and not-for-profits in Senior Executive & risk management roles for most of her career, Melodie launched Plan to Protect®, Inc. fifteen years ago with a desire to raise the bar on safeguarding the vulnerable sector. She accomplishes this through consulting and training and providing leaders with the tools, training and momentum needed to accomplish their vision and goals while safeguarding the mission of the organization and their people. 

Melodie is an author of numerous books and journal articles, her most recent book is the 2022 version of Plan to Protect® A Safeguarding Guide for children, youth and adults. As a Victim-Advocate, Melodie is committed to giving voice to victim-survivors of abuse as she stewards the disclosures and stories of abuse on behalf of clients. In 2022, Melodie received her doctorate at the University of Toronto. The focus of her thesis was on nurturing the spiritual healing of victim-survivors of abuse. 

Melodie resides in Stouffville, Ontario, with her husband, Scott, who is a Pastor. She has three grown children and two beautiful grandchildren.