Social Work Manager Joins MCH

Monroe Community Hospital is proud to announces the appointment of Melissa Coates as medical social work manager, a role that will see her lead programs that support the social and emotional needs of residents and their families while advancing patient-centered care across the organization.

Melissa Coates

"We are thrilled to welcome Melissa to MCH," said Alyssa Tallo, Executive Health Director. “Her expertise in social work, strong leadership background, and dedication to patient-centered care make her an excellent addition to our team. We are confident she will further strengthen our commitment to supporting residents and their families."

Coates earned her master’s degree in social work from Salisbury University in Maryland in 2010 and relocated to the Rochester area in 2014. From 2014 to 2025, she worked in acute-care hospitals as a discharge planner, helping patients and families navigate complex transitions of care.

In 2022, she joined Unity Hospital as social work manager, where she led a team of approximately 30 social workers, including full-time, part-time and per diem staff.

“I am excited to begin my career at MCH and to become a part of this wonderful community and all it has to offer,” she said. “I have received a very warm welcome from staff and residents. I look forward to contributing to the amazing care already provided at MCH.”

During her time at Unity, Coates collaborated on initiatives aimed at improving patient flow and reducing length of stay. Those efforts helped decrease the average length of stay for skilled nursing facility patients from 17 days to nine days.

Her leadership and impact were recognized in 2025, when she was named to the Rochester Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” which honors professional achievement, leadership and community involvement among emerging leaders.

In her new role at MCH, Coates will oversee social work programs that coordinate services for residents and their families, including care planning and discharge coordination. She will work closely with MCH teams to strengthen collaboration, ensure regulatory excellence and advocate for residents and families through effective psychosocial support.

Coates said her focus will be on promoting dignity, safety and quality of life, while mentoring staff and using data-informed practices to improve outcomes and satisfaction.

Coates lives in the Rochester area with her husband and three young children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active through school events and sports, and enjoying the outdoors during the summer months.