Associate Therapist, South Hills

Melissa (she/her) is a licensed social worker (LSW) with master’s degrees in social work and public health (MSW/MPH) from the University of Pittsburgh. She has supported individuals, families, and communities across the globe in meeting physical and mental health needs for over two decades. Melissa began her social work journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia, and has since worked within the nonprofit sector to increase access to basic resources among underrecognized communities. Whether focused on securing housing for refugee families, or connecting individuals to HIV care, Melissa thrives at making authentic human connections and meeting people where they are at. 

As a supervisor at a grassroots nonprofit in Pittsburgh, Melissa realized her passion for guiding others through difficult times and drawing out the best in them. She pursued training at the Mindfulness Coaching School and earned her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation. Melissa coached individuals virtually throughout the COVID pandemic, and soon realized the urgent need for mental health support. She joined the team at The Center for OCD and Anxiety as an Associate Therapist (AT) in January of 2023, where she blends her unique skills and experiences with the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches the practice is known and recognized for. 

Melissa integrates her strengths-based perspective with neuroscience concepts to create a structure of accountability that supports folks in developing awareness, intention, and authenticity in their daily lives. Her style is best described as compassionate, sprinkled with healthy doses of humor and honesty.