“Becoming an art therapist combined what I understood as the best parts of myself, my love of people and creativity, and turned it into a livelihood I hope never to retire from. I received an ungraduated degree in psychology from Ohio University, then a master’s degree in art therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. My education in art therapy theory & technique, counseling theory & technique, spirituality, and a wealth of life experience have given me a deep well of compassion for whatever my clients are going through. Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief & loss, divorce, infidelity, trauma, or existential crisis, I often hear from them that they experience something different when working with me compared to previous therapy experiences. They feel accepted, heard, and deeply understood in their vulnerability. Through psychotherapeutic techniques involving mindfulness, creative expression, and somatosensory methodology, my clients experience increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, effective communication and boundary setting, and an overall improvement in coping. I am honored to have the opportunity to accompany those experiencing life’s most challenging and vulnerable times. My clients trust me with the depths of themselves and this is sacred ground. I hope to help my clients harvest gems from adversity that they can eventually claim as transformative personal growth.”

Melissa is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist in the state of Ohio and is registered and board-certified nationally through the Art Therapy Credentials Board. She is also a member of the American Art Therapy Association as well as the Buckeye Art Therapy Association.