Melissa Harris built her career on one simple idea: that health care should make a real, visible difference in people’s lives. When she founded AmbuServe in 2000 with just two ambulances, it was with a clear vision for how care could be delivered in the community. Today, her work extends far beyond operations, from mentoring young professionals to serving on hospital and statewide industry boards. 

That same mindset is what led her to the Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation Board. A longtime South Bay resident, Melissa has lived in Palos Verdes since 2006 and is deeply connected to the community. It is not only where her ambulances operate, but where she, her family and her neighbors receive care.

Her connection to the medical centers is both professional and personal. In addition to working closely with Providence Little Company of Mary for years, Melissa recently experienced the care firsthand as a patient — something that further reinforced
her perspective. After recovering, she returned to
the hospital to personally thank the caregivers who supported her. “When I needed them most, they cared for me,” she said. “It made me even more proud to be part of this.” 

As a new board member, Melissa is especially energized by the opportunity to expand awareness of Providence Little Company of Mary’s impact beyond the hospital walls. She was surprised to learn about the breadth of community programs already in place and is passionate about making that work more visible.

That perspective has already inspired action. Through her company, Melissa helped introduce ambulance wraps that serve as mobile billboards, highlighting the medical centers’ mission and connecting more people to their work.

For Melissa, it all comes back to connection — between caregivers and patients, and between the medical centers and the community they serve. “I’ve had the privilege to work with many hospitals,” she said. “Nothing feels the same way as Providence Little Company of Mary.”