Blooming with Excellence: Melissa Stup's Journey

Melissa Stup, Restorative Aide and CNA

Melissa Stup serves as a Restorative Nursing Aide at Dogwood, bringing with her 18 years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After returning to Dogwood three years ago, Melissa saw an opportunity to step into the restorative aide role when the position became available and eagerly applied, ready for a new challenge in her healthcare journey.

Melissa completed her restorative training through Relias Learning, gaining the skills needed to focus on helping residents maintain and improve their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Restorative care, to Melissa, is about more than exercises—it’s about supporting residents in preserving the abilities they still have and encouraging confidence in their daily movements.

Her interest in becoming a restorative aide was sparked by the desire to try something different. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a passion. Melissa found that the role allowed her to connect with residents on a deeper level, building meaningful relationships that go beyond the fast-paced demands of floor CNA work. Having dedicated time with residents allows her to truly understand them, have fun, and create moments they look forward to each day.

"Melissa exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated restorative aide. Through her hard work and commitment to advancing her skills—earning her CNA6 title through the CNA Plus program—she consistently puts residents first. Melissa connects naturally with those in her care, and the smiles she brings during exercise sessions reflect her positive influence. Her focus on maintaining residents at their highest functional level makes a meaningful difference every day," said Jessica, Director of Rehab.

Melissa’s favorite part of being a restorative aide is seeing the progress firsthand—watching residents walk, move, and maintain their mobility. It’s a rewarding experience that she didn’t always get to witness as a CNA, and one that brings her a strong sense of pride and fulfillment.

Dogwood holds a special place in Melissa’s heart. Having started her journey here in 2008, she finds comfort in the familiar faces and the sense of home the facility provides. It’s where her career began and where she continues to grow. Melissa is currently an aspiring Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), and we wish her the very best as she continues to learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of those she serves. We are fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Melissa on our team!