Alicia Melnick is currently studying for her Doctorate of  Social Work (DSW) at Walden University. She earned an MSW and a certificate in Gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Theater from Mount Union College. During her time at Pitt, she was a fellow in the second graduating cohort of the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education.

Prior to working at the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Melnick was the Social Work Supervisor at UPMC Passavant Hospital. While at UPMC Passavant in addition to her management responsibilities she also worked clinically in the ICU setting and helped to develop an internal crisis management team. Prior to that position, Ms. Melnick worked as a Psychiatric Social Worker at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC in the Integrated Health and Aging Unit. Ms. Melnick serves as a Field Instructor for the School of Social Work and continues to supervise students.  Ms. Melnick holds an active clinical social work license in Pennsylvania. Ms. Melnick is involved with NASW and is currently Chair of the Social Workers in Aging Practice (SWAP) practice council.

Ms. Melnick is the Program Administrator for the Community Engagement Fellowship and Field Coordinator for the Behavioral Health Scholars Program (BHSP). She works with students from the both DP and COSA track for field and academic advising.