Melissa is a strong believer that some of the most important work in therapy can be done without words. She uses a variety of expressive treatment approaches, such as Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy in order to help her clients embrace and love all parts of themselves, while fostering healthy coping skills and lasting behavior change. She also utilizes aspects of CBT to empower clients to better understand and manage their thoughts and feelings. Melissa uses humor and play in her work with kids and teens to create a safe and nurturing environment, and has been trained to help clients of all ages with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, ADHD, trauma and life transitions.

Melissa received her Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Utah Valley University. During her time at UVU, she gained experience working at the Utah County Jail and the Children’s Justice Center. Melissa has enjoyed the treatment she has done with individuals and families from a wide variety of backgrounds and walks of life. She draws from these experiences to use a more holistic approach and provide personalized treatment for each client.

When Melissa isn’t working, she loves camping, hanging with her family and playing with her French bulldog, Rudy. You can also usually find her at home with a scary movie and snacks. She doesn’t have any kids of her own, but is a new mother to four beautiful houseplants.