Meet Pediatric Social Worker Grace Mooney-Melvin: Supporting Families Through Every Heart Journey

When Grace Mooney-Melvin, MSW, LICSW, joined the M Health Fairview Pediatric Cardiology team in July 2025, she brought with her more than a decade of experience helping patients and families navigate complex medical journeys. After years of working with adults in dialysis and bone marrow transplant programs, Grace felt ready for a new challenge—and a new opportunity to make a difference. “I wanted to expand my knowledge in a new specialty and population,” she shares. “This role allowed me to do that while still using the skills I’ve developed throughout my career.”

As a pediatric cardiac social worker, Grace plays a vital role in helping patients and their families manage the many aspects of care beyond medicine. From connecting families to financial resources, transportation, or housing assistance, to addressing insurance and school-related concerns, she provides the practical support that helps families stay afloat during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

But for Grace, the heart of her work lies in offering compassion and emotional support. “This can be a very overwhelming and stressful experience for both a child and their family,” she explains. “My goal is to make them comfortable as they navigate this process—and to advocate for their needs every step of the way.”

Grace finds deep fulfillment in building lasting relationships with patients and families—especially those spending extended time in the hospital. “It’s really special to be a consistent source of support,” she says. “Following our heart transplant patients after they go home and seeing the lives they’re able to live outside the hospital is incredibly rewarding.”

Her approach to care is rooted in empathy, patience, and empowerment. She helps families access both financial resources and emotional support systems, including parent groups and community networks. “One of the biggest things I try to remind my patients and their families is that they’re not alone,” Grace emphasizes. “There’s a community of support and resources out there.”

Originally from Chicago, Grace recently relocated to Minneapolis—and she’s quickly fallen in love with exploring her new home. Her parents, still in Chicago, have already joined her on some Minnesota adventures.

Outside of work, Grace practices the same self-care she encourages in others. She enjoys yoga and Pilates, reading, and spending time with friends. Right now, much of her free time is spent discovering new places and experiences in the Twin Cities.

And if you think Grace’s adventurous spirit ends there—think again. “Several years ago, I went bungee jumping in South Africa at one of the tallest jumps in the world—it was amazing!” she laughs. “Next on my list is skydiving!”

With her deep compassion, adventurous spirit, and dedication to supporting families through the most difficult of journeys, Grace Mooney-Melvin embodies the heart of the M Health Fairview Pediatric Cardiology team—and the spirit of Second Chance for Life’s community of care.