Dr. Melody Cunningham is trained in pediatrics, pediatric hematology/oncology and pediatric hospice and palliative care.  During her nearly 30 years of caring for pediatric patients with serious illness, she realized that family and patient decisions are intensely guided by personal and cultural values. She believes that listening and honoring those values and individual decisions regarding quality of life may facilitate healthy grieving and ultimately healing.

Her medical experiences prompted her to testify on bills related to healthcare and children.  In the 2024 election cycle, she ran for the House of Representatives in Montana.  While knocking on more than 4,000 doors, she learned of the economic and healthcare issues facing older adults.  She is grateful to be invited to bring these experiences to the Missoula Aging Services Board.

In her free time Melody refills her vessel with cooking, hiking, wildfire fuels mitigation and star-gazing.