Dedication. Experience. Guidance.
Melissa Abate, LMSW, CCM, began working with families and survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2002 at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. From 2005 to 2016, she worked at the nationally recognized Craig Hospital in Denver, Colo., a rehabilitation center for people with brain and spinal cord injuries, where she worked on numerous initiatives to improve the patient and family experience. Melissa transitioned to case management consulting in 2017 based on her desire to prioritize professional collaboration as well as a biopsychosocial approach to case management that ensures good outcomes. Melissa was nominated as Case Manager of the Year in 2019, by the Colorado Professionals in Worker’s Compensation Association.
Over the last fifteen years of her career, Melissa has worked with Colorado Health Care Policy and Finance on enhancing and expanding the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver and the community-based living programs for Colorado Medicaid participants. This work included testifying at the State Senate and House in support of Senate Bill 160, as well as presenting multiple rule changes to the Medical Services Board. Melissa was also the designated case manager representative for the Colorado Division of Worker’s Compensation Medical Treatment Guidelines for the TBI Task Force.
Melissa received her Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University and is licensed as a Certified Case Manager. Melissa also did extensive post-graduate studies in family systems and trauma. Melissa has written extensively and presented on the short- and long-term needs of catastrophically injured patients and their families.