Melissa DeChellis
Adaptively Abled
Salem, MA USA
"If you lead your life with gratitude, you can never really have a bad day."
Career Roadmap
Melissa's work combines: Sports, Medicine, and Helping People
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Biology, General
College of the Holy Cross
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I was born with a congenital club foot, but my parents encouraged me to stay active, and sports became a big part of my life growing up.
2.
During a high school softball game, I fractured and dislocated my foot in a collision that changed the course of my life.
3.
After years of surgeries and chronic pain, I chose a below-the-knee amputation to finally reclaim my quality of life.
4.
I had to relearn how to walk five different times after multiple revision surgeries, rebuilding my strength and resilience each step of the way.
5.
A life-changing experience at the Adaptive Training Foundation in Texas showed me the power of adaptive fitness and community.
6.
I returned home and founded Adaptively Abled to create support, connection, and opportunities for people navigating life after injury.
7.
At 44, I trained for a month in California, made Team USA in paracanoe sprint kayaking, and competed internationally.
8.
Today I lead Adaptively Abled Fitness, creating inclusive wellness programs that help people with disabilities rebuild strength, confidence, and community.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was born with a congenital club foot, which I eventually broke, and ultimately decided to amputate. My recovery journey led me to create my own adaptive fitness program to support other people with similar challenges.