Melissa has her master's degree in social work from Ohio University. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Youngstown State University and her associate degree in human and social services from Stark State College. Melissa is Dually Certified as both a Practitioner and an Equine Professional through Natural Lifemanship. Since 2017, Melissa has specialized in equine-assisted psychotherapy, pairing her love for horses with her desire to assist individuals and families make progress toward their goals. Melissa works with kids ages 5 and up, teens, and adults. She loves seeing the relationships that can develop through sensory-based and experiential interventions that highlight a clients' strengths as they work to find improved connection with themselves, others, and the world around them. Melissa began riding horses at ten years old and enjoys jumping and trail riding as well as spending any time possible with her equine friends. Melissa and her family enjoy playing board games, hiking and biking, reading, traveling, camping, and experiencing nature.