Melissa moved to Australia with her family from the USA in 2024, and prior to moving Melissa worked as a School Psychologist for five years in New York City. Melissa holds a Masters of Arts in School Psychology and Education Specialist degree from James Madison University from Virginia, USA. As part of her registration with AHPRA, Melissa is completing an 'overseas qualified transition programme' for 12-weeks, and will be eligible to apply for her full general registration at the end of July 2026.

In her work as a School Psychologist, Melissa provided counseling services; conducted Psycho-Educational evaluations; consulted and collaborated closely with teachers, parents, school staff, child health and developmental specialists, and other outside agencies; participated in Special Education and school based support team meetings, and provided behavior support and management to students in the schools that she served. Melissa has worked with very diverse populations including working with students from various cultural backgrounds and English Language Learner students. Whilst much of her work as a School Psychologist has been with Primary-level aged students, Melissa also has experience working with adolescents and is excited to be expanding her therapy and assessment services further with teens and young adults.

Melissa is passionate about working with children and adolescents and helping make a positive impact in their lives. She strives to connect with and empower youth and provide them with support and tools to assist their mental health needs. Melissa is a culturally-responsive, trauma-informed, and Neurodiversity-affirming Practitioner, and in her therapy approach, Melissa seeks to get to know and understand her clients, their interests, strengths, understanding of themselves, the world around them, and their goals. Her therapy has targeted developing emotional regulation skills, managing anxiety and mood-related issues, and developing positive identity and self-esteem. She draws on a range of evidence-based supports including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, social-emotional learning, mindfulness skills, growth mindset training, positive psychology practices, executive functioning training, and play-based techniques. Melissa is warm, engaging, and collaborative in her counseling approach and enjoys incorporating her clients interests in sessions. Aside from counseling, Melissa has administered a wide range of cognitive, social/emotional, and academic assessments. Her assessment approach focuses on gaining a holistic and comprehensive understanding of her clients, emphasizing on their areas of strengths, and providing recommendations to support their needs.

Melissa is a mum of two young children who have taught her much more about understanding child development and the joys and challenges that come with parenthood. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, spending time outside in nature, doing pilates, and eating out. She is enthusiastic about starting her role as a Provisional Psychologist at Kids Inspired and becoming a fully registered Psychologist in Australia.