About Me

The Professional Details:

I’m a clinical social worker, licensed in Massachusetts. I earned my Masters Degree from Smith College School for Social Work in 2007. I then earned an Advanced Professional Certificate in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University in 2013. In 2022, I completed the first level of Internal Family Systems training. I have received training in using mindfulness practice, physical play, and games to heal the effects of trauma. Previously, I worked in the Boston Public Schools through Boston Children’s Hospital. Currently, I help art museums throughout the country to build social emotional support systems for their youth development programs.

Throughout my career, I have endeavored to work at the intersection of therapy and art, using creative methods to build understanding, expand perspective, and gain insight. For that reason, I incorporate creative methods into therapy. I also have an active art practice: I make both static and kinetic sculpture and am especially drawn to working with balance.

Melissa is smiling, her head cocked to the right. She is a white, cis-gendered woman with blue eyes and brown, wavy hair. She wears glasses and a chartreuse-colored button-down shirt.

The Training and Education Details:

  • MA in Clinical Social Work, Smith College School for Social Work

  • Adv. Prof. Certificate in Expressive Therapies, Lesley University

  • BA in Psychology, Wesleyan University

  • Level 1 Internal Family Systems

  • Mindfulness-based approaches to healing trauma

  • Life is Good Playmakers (play-based approaches to healing trauma)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Melissa stands atop a mountain. In the background are pine trees and an icy ridge. She is in the foreground, wearing a fuchsia-colored fleece and a backpack. Hiking poles can be seen over her left shoulder.

The Personal Details:

Away from the therapy office, you can probably find me outside or in my studio. In the studio, I love experimenting with interesting materials (right now, it’s natural fibers). Outside, I may be napping in the sun, swimming in a lake, or biking down one of the many Boston-area bike paths.

An abstract illustration of hills and mountains in both warm and cool colors.