OUR STAFF

​Melissa Connell is the Director of the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Ombuds Office and has been ombudsing for over 20 years. She received her JD from the University of Denver and completed her undergrad degree at Colorado State University. Melissa is one of the first ombuds nationally and internationally to be certified as an organizational ombudsman practitioner. She presently serves as co-chair of the International Ombudsman Association's Mentoring Committee and has proudly mentored more ombuds than any other IOA member. Prior to her work as an Ombuds, Melissa worked for elected officials at the county, state and federal level.

Lisa Nelson is the Associate Director of the University of Colorado Denver|Anschutz Ombuds Office. She has an extensive background providing conflict management services including ombudsing, mediation, restorative practices, facilitation, coaching and training to students, faculty, staff, and other constituents at CU Boulder, MSU Denver, UC Davis, and UC Davis Medical Center. She has broad experience in higher ed, having held roles in human resources, student affairs, alumni development, and as full-time teaching faculty running a leadership program for undergraduate students. Lisa earned her JD from the University of Colorado Boulder and a BA in History from Northwestern University.