You deserve a dependable team that can help you secure more grant funding for your nonprofit.
Our Team
Before starting Upstream Consulting in 2017, I spent more than a decade working with a variety of health and social service organizations. Despite their differences, nearly all of these organizations had two similarities that probably sound familiar: 1) they were doing amazing work; and 2) they were so understaffed and overwhelmed that they couldn’t dedicate the time needed to win more grants.
While I enjoyed the work I was doing for one organization, I knew I could use my skills to help lots of nonprofits. So I packaged up all my years of writing, program development, and evaluation into a business that allows me to help you win more grants for your organization.
When I’m not helping busy nonprofit leaders win more grants, you can find me hiking, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach.
CEO & Principal consultant
Hi, I’m Melissa Reams, MPH, GPC
Professionally speaking, my greatest joy is teaching. I love helping others learn something useful and have a knack for making dry topics fun (yes, even grant writing!).
My attention to detail can be annoying to folks who are big thinkers. But that’s okay because that means I never miss a super-specific grant application requirement.
I’m ridiculously productive. I often get asked if I have a clone (I wish!), if I sleep (I do!), and if I’ll share productivity tips (I will!).
Fun Facts:
Yvette Upton brings over 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofits to Upstream Consulting. Originally trained as a journalist, Yvette loves the opportunity to use her writing skills to support the incredible work of nonprofits. She is passionate about creating a more equitable world and recognizes the important role nonprofits play in addressing the gaps in our communities. Yvette holds a BA in Journalism and an MA in Women’s Studies from Georgia State University and an EdD in Higher Education Management from the University of Georgia. Originally from the Atlanta area, Yvette lives in Savannah, Georgia, with her spouse and daughter. She loves spending time with her family, enjoying her beautiful city, and getting into “good trouble” whenever the need arises.
Editor
Yvette Upton, EdD
Elizabeth Varner is a dedicated, detail-oriented administrator with experience in grant management for nonprofits, executive search, and higher education. At Upstream Consulting, Elizabeth coordinates grant application and reporting processes, conducts research to identify strong funding opportunities, and promotes operational efficiency and quality assurance in order to provide successful experiences for our partners. When not at work, she enjoys playing pickleball, knitting, and volunteering in her community.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Varner
Brianna Stock has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 10 years. She has experience with program management, grant writing, fundraising, and database administration. She’s passionate about youth development and children’s rights and serves as a CASA volunteer for her county. Outside of work, she loves reading, kayaking and paddle boarding, and listening to podcasts. Brianna resides in West Virginia with her husband and their two cats.
GRANT WRITER,
Marketing & data manager
Brianna Stock
Breyana has over 9 years of experience as a public health practitioner. Her professional experience consists of program planning and implementation, evaluation, grant management, capacity building, strategy, and community development through a variety of settings such as nonprofits, universities, community groups, and government organizations. She is passionate and committed to work focused on equity, health policy, community development, social determinants of health, and population health.
program CONSULTANT
Breyana Davis, DrPH, MPH
We are firm believers that honesty is the best policy. If we aren’t able to help you or think you would benefit from a different approach, we’ll let you know.
Honesty
We do what we say we’ll do, always.
Reliability
We’re dedicated to supporting your work as you strengthen your organization and community.
Dedication
When you work with us, you’ll get our best work, every time.
