Faces of Careforth: Melissa Comeau

For many nurses, care extends beyond clinical expertise. It’s found in quiet moments supporting families through uncertainty and helping people feel seen and valued during some of life’s most challenging seasons. That compassion is what drew Senior Director of Clinical Services Melissa Comeau to nursing 30 years ago, and what continues to guide her leadership today.

After years working in hospital settings, Melissa found an additional sense of purpose supporting families in their homes, where care can feel more personal, connected, and human. In this Faces of Careforth interview, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her career and the lessons caregiving taught her about empathy and leadership.

What is your role and how long have you worked at Careforth? 

My current role is Senior Director, Clinical Services. I’ve been with Careforth for 15 years and have worn many different hats. In this role, I have the privilege of leading our operations and care teams delivering Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) across Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Louisiana, while also supporting initiatives that expand resources for caregivers beyond SFC. 

What inspired you to join our team? 

After 15 years in hospital settings, I was looking for something more flexible than shift work. I quickly fell in love with the opportunity to support people in their own homes, surrounded by loved ones instead of hospital walls. It offered a more personal, holistic approach to nursing and gave me the flexibility I needed to be present for my three kids. 

How do you support families and caregivers in your role, and why is it important? 

In my role, I help implement new programs that expand support for caregivers. I also prioritize keeping my team connected to our mission—it’s our north star. We celebrate wins and navigate challenges together, while making space for the emotional side of this work. That support allows them to continue delivering meaningful care every day. 

Do you have a personal connection to caregiving that you’re comfortable sharing? 

My mother-in-law passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. We lived with her before her diagnosis and stayed closely involved through the end. I was part of her care team, helping her remain at home where she ultimately passed with hospice support. I often wish I had known about programs like ours and the many resources available to caregivers. 

How does your work contribute to Careforth’s mission and values? 

Our mission guides everything I do. Whether I’m supporting implementation of new programs, developing tools, or leading my team, the caregiver experience is always at the forefront. 

How has your experience as a nurse shaped the way you lead teams today? 

I’m not sure if nursing shaped who I am or if I was drawn to nursing because of who I am—but I’ve always had a desire to help and support others. Nursing strengthened my ability to lead with empathy, to truly see and hear people, and that makes me a stronger leader. 

What does National Nurses Week mean to you at this stage in your career? 

It brings a strong sense of pride and identity. Even though I’m no longer at the bedside, being a nurse since age 21 is still a core part of who I am. 

What’s a lesson from nursing that still sticks with you outside of work? 

Empathy. You never know what someone is going through. Every person has a story; take the time to listen, ask questions about their life. You will hear some amazing stories. Treat people like they matter, because they do. 

What’s something interesting about your job that people may not know? 

Leadership, to me, is about balancing empathy with accountability. Supporting our team is just as important as supporting caregivers and families. That idea of caring for yourself so you can care for others applies at every level. 

How do you maintain a positive work-life balance in this field? 

It’s a work in progress. With grown kids no longer living at home, life looks a little different. Working from home means work is always within reach. I’ve learned that creating boundaries and intentionally stepping away is essential.  

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in healthcare? 

There are so many paths in healthcare. If your first role isn’t the right fit, try something else. The opportunity to find purpose and meaning in this work is real. I’m grateful that in 30 years, I’ve never felt that my work didn’t matter. 

What is one fun fact about you that your colleagues may not know about? 

I’ve hosted four exchange students who became part of our family: two from Turkey, one from Thailand, and one from Norway. We even traveled to Istanbul to celebrate one of their weddings, where we were welcomed as his “American family.” 

What is your favorite quote? 

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek  

At Careforth, we strive to provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported throughout their caregiving journey. If you’re inspired by Melissa’s story and want to be a part of a team that leads with heart, cultivates trust, and goes beyond, visit our Careers page to learn more and explore our current openings.