Melissa King

Melissa, Tobacco Cessation Specialist at Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center since 2019, facilitates tobacco cessation classes, partners with community groups, and attends civic meetings that work to promote tobacco-free communities, primarily in Charlotte County. Melissa is passionate when it comes to educating tobacco users about increased health benefits and providing tips and tools to help them successfully quit tobacco. She also enjoys educating healthcare providers and health professions students about tobacco use and treatment for them to use in their practice.

Since joining GSAHEC, Melissa has become an integral part of the Florida AHEC group creating a youth vaping cessation curriculum, including being a member of youth vaping focus groups and supporting the implementation of student training.

Melissa recently graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) with her master’s degree in Health Services Administration and holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in Community Health. Melissa believes that her education prepared her to successfully educate community members on important health concerns, specifically tobacco use and cessation.

Melissa’s talents are not limited to helping tobacco users quit – she will also surprise you with her amazing card tricks! And when she is not in the office, you can catch her riding her bike, going to the beach, or spending time with family and friends.