Meet Melissa

Since mental health impacts all areas of the community, my professional journey has taken me to exciting and unexpected places. In my roles, I have had the pleasure of introducing critical information to new industries and establishing wellness programs in non-traditional spaces. Such a rewarding adventure!  

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As a Therapist, I have worked with people of all ages in a variety of settings – residential care, transitional housing, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even libraries. My expertise is in treating clients who have experienced trauma and may face multiple barriers to wellness. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my approach, which also involves empowering people to self-identify goals, explore parts of self, embrace imperfections, heal, and (re)build. 

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I have enjoyed many years of clinical leadership in the Pacific Northwest. This includes overseeing large scale behavioral health, housing, human service, and training programs. Some of my programs have been the first of their kind, now serving as templates for similar efforts across the country. I am proud of establishing no-barrier social services in Washington State libraries and developing mental health curriculum for healthcare students at Washington colleges. As a collaborative leader, I am energized by the innovation that happens when diverse groups team up across industries.

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As an educator, ​I am passionate about offering professionals the tools necessary to feel successful and sustained in their work. To this end, I offer workplace and community trainings in a variety of subjects related to mental health and wellbeing. I have been honored to speak at conferences across the country for a variety of industries, teach graduate psychology students, and create eLearning courses for public service employees. It is with gratitude and hopefulness that I have facilitated empathetic conversations about poverty and homelessness for regional groups of church leaders.

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My professional life has been exciting, no doubt. It has also been taxing at times. Private practice is now my focus. It allows me to do meaningful work that I love while caring for all parts of myself. 

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I find joy in quilting, snuggling with my dog, listening to live music, and any activity in the sunshine!