Melissa Doberstein Director

Melissa joined the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) in March of 2009. She is responsible for the overall planning, implementation and administration of the PLA. Previously, Melissa worked as a Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life and as the Student Volunteer Coordinator in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Penn State. She served as a Penn State Administrative Fellow to the Vice-President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer during the 2023-24 academic year. A Long Island native, she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and her Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration at The State University of New York at Buffalo.

Melissa also is a Penn State fitness instructor, where she strives to promote wellness for all. She holds certifications in Barre/Pilates, Schwinn Cycling, and National Exercise Trainers Association in Full Body Conditioning. Her and her husky, Ace, are a certified therapy team with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Melissa lives in State College, PA with her husband, son, and two Siberian Huskies.

David de la Rosa Student Engagement Specialist

David de la Rosa joined the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) in September 2024. With a passion for leadership science, David is eager to engage PLA scholars in their leadership development journey. His responsibilities include trip planning and logistics, supervision of student Interns, student programming, and overall Student Engagement within the academy. Previously, David served three years as assistant director in the Office for Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Health and Human Development. Before Penn State, David spent several years working in higher education student affairs in both diversity and inclusion and residence life. David holds a master of science in leadership from Cabrini University, Radnor, PA and a bachelor of arts in English writing from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester. PA.

David lives in Bellefonte. PA with his dog, Apollo. In his spare time, David can be found walking Apollo at Talleyrand Park and planning the restoration of his 1970 Chevy C-10 pickup truck.