About Us

Melissa is mom to sons Ember (5) and Archer (2) and hails from Philadelphia. She has lived in Portland for 14 years and has 10+ years experience working in nonprofits as a fundraising professional. Her passions are social justice, human rights, feminism, and supporting mothers take care of themselves. In her free time, she loves hiking, traveling abroad or on road trips with her boys and husband, writing her blog, or dancing at concerts. She wanted to start The Moms Collaborative with friend Madeline, to help build a strong community of moms in Portland who feel like they can meet their own mental, physical, and social needs in one place. 

Madeline R. Defuria is a dedicated mom, entrepreneur and community advocate with over a decade of volunteer experience. Her passion for social justice has driven her to actively participate in initiatives that uplift and empower marginalized voices. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by single mothers, Madeline, alongside her friend Melissa, founded The Moms Collaborative—a vibrant support network designed to provide emotional assistance and essential resources for single moms. This initiative was born out of a shared vision to create a nurturing community where mothers can connect, share experiences, and find the support they need. Through her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social change, Madeline continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families within her community.