Melissa earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her academic training provided a strong clinical foundation that she continues to build upon through ongoing professional development and applied practice.

She has experience working with both adolescents and adults, supporting clients across a range of emotional and behavioral concerns. Melissa brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that each person possesses inherent strengths and internal resources that can be cultivated through intentional therapeutic work. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions, with an emphasis on helping clients develop clarity, stability, and confidence in their daily lives.

Melissa primarily utilizes Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), integrating practical skill-building with collaborative goal setting. These evidence-based approaches allow her to tailor treatment to each client’s specific needs while maintaining a structured, forward-moving process. She is attentive to the fact that no two clients present with identical experiences, and she prioritizes meeting individuals where they are—clinically, emotionally, and developmentally.

She is deeply committed to inclusive care and is particularly passionate about supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with chronic health conditions. Melissa recognizes the unique stressors and potential isolation associated with these experiences and strives to provide an affirming environment in which clients feel respected, understood, and validated.

At the center of her work is the creation of a safe, judgment-free therapeutic space where vulnerability is honored and growth is supported. Melissa views therapy as a collaborative process and aims to walk alongside clients with empathy, encouragement, and practical tools that foster sustainable change and improved mental wellness.

Outside of her professional work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, keeping up with their toddler, playing board games, reading fantasy novels, and catching up on favorite television shows.

Melissa is a member of the Texas Counseling Association – Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities.