Melanie Robbins of Rocky Mount NC has been married to Bill Robbins for 33 years, has two adult children Betsy and John with a grandchild on the way! She holds a Masters degree in Speech-Language and Auditory Pathology and has worked for 15 years in public and private schools, private practice as well as providing consultation and contract work with area hospitals. She has held positions on several non-profit boards including Meals-on Wheels, Girls Scouts of America, the local Human Relations Commission as well as serving for five years as President of the Board of Directors of the women's abuse shelter, My Sisiter's House. Under her watch a thrift store was launched and has celebrated 10 years of profitable operations. She is co-founder of the Ethiopian Family Fund along with Marla Hodes, having travelled with her to Addis Ababa in 2006 on a fact-finding and film production mission. Her daughter Betsy Michau, who is now expecting her first child, was part of the crew as the still photographer, providing photos for the website, stationary and the dvd "The Girls of Abyssinia". Melanie will share the job of Executive Director for the EFF, committed to serving the Board of Directors by carrying out their vision to help those in need in Ethiopia.