Education & Experience

Licensed by Virginia’s Board of Counseling since 2015, Melissa earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Radford University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Saginaw Valley State University. Her passion for supporting trauma survivors and creating safer, abuse-free communities began during her internship at the Women’s Resource Center in Radford from 2007 to 2008. She went on to serve in a variety of clinical and leadership roles at Mount Rogers Community Services from 2008 to 2021, including crisis counselor, outpatient counselor, therapeutic day treatment counselor, intensive in-home counselor, Rapid Access intake counselor, Counseling Program Manager, and Comprehensive Family Programs Director.

In 2021, Melissa established her private practice as a solo provider, guided by a vision to deliver personalized and effective mental health care. The practice has since expanded into a thriving group practice, where she leads a team of skilled therapists and staff. As an approved supervisor by the Virginia Board of Counseling, she provides clinical supervision to Residents in Counseling, Qualified Mental Health Professionals, and Peer Recovery Specialists, and has mentored numerous bachelor’s- and master’s-level interns.

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked with children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Her person-centered, evidence-based approach empowers clients to take an active role in their healing and growth.

At this time, Melissa is not accepting new EMDR therapy clients. Instead, she is expanding her focus on EMDR consultation and professional development. She offers a standing EMDR consultation group via Google Meet for clinicians who have completed the first weekend of EMDR basic training, as well as for those pursuing EMDR certification. Through consultation, she supports clinicians in deepening their clinical skills, strengthening fidelity to the EMDR model, and growing in confidence as trauma-informed providers.

https://www.bodyandmindfullyhealthy.com/emdr-consultation

Melissa remains deeply committed to advancing the quality of mental health care in Southwest Virginia by developing competent, compassionate clinicians who create meaningful change within their communities.