Reading Police Welcome New Outreach Coordinator

READING, MA — Krystal Mellonakos-Garay has been named the outreach coordinator for the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support, the Reading Police Department announced Monday.

Mellonakos will work closely with the Coalition, Reading police and the Reading Public Schools to expand outreach efforts related to substance misuse and promote mental wellness among residents.

Mellonakos is working to develop substance use prevention programming throughout Reading, including forums and educational opportunities. She will also serve on the police department's Crisis Intervention Team Steering Committee, work as a resource to provide referrals and be an integral part of the schools' multi-tiered systems of support.

"Keeping members of our community safe from substance misuse, and connecting them with mental health resources are core elements of our work," Reading Police Chief David Clark said. "Krystal has been an invaluable contributor to ours and other police departments in the region, and I am confident that she will continue to be a vital resource for Reading's youth and families."

Mellonakos previously worked as a certified domestic violence counselor with the Woburn, Wilmington and Reading Police Departments, via RESPOND Inc. With RESPOND, she focused on working alongside law enforcement personnel to establish direct connections with people affected by domestic violence in order to provide critical support.

In her previous role, Mellonakos conducted risk assessments and safety planning, as well as provided case management, mental health and housing assistance.

She speaks both Spanish and Portuguese.

Mellonakos is currently pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She holds a bachelor's degree in international affairs from Northeastern University and interned at the U.S. Attorney's office in Boston and at the International Institute of New England, assisting newly-arriving refugees with finding employment.