Born and raised in New Jersey, Lea Melvin moved to Jacksonville with her family when she was 15 years old. Lea holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Florida and uses her degree daily when planning the STEM curriculum programs in our JCA’s Youth Services department.

Lea joined the JCA family in 2017 as a Summer Camp Counselor, served as our Lead Counselor in 2019, and was hired as our Youth Services Enrichment Specialist in 2023 before being promoted to Assistant Director later that year. With her love for learning and sharing knowledge, Lea says she loves that her job allows her to positively influence children while helping them foster an understanding of themselves and the world around them.

When Lea is not busy making slime and crafting with the children at the JCA, she can be found reading, spending time with her family, and delving into her own craft-making skills.