Hello, and welcome!
My name is Mel (she/her), and I am currently serving as an intern. Throughout my time here, I have been trained under the guidance of experienced licensed professionals to enrich my understanding of therapeutic practices and provide me with valuable insights. My commitment is to foster a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment where you can openly explore your thoughts and feelings. Additionally, I strive to create a space that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and allyship to welcome individuals from various backgrounds and cultures and celebrate their unique perspectives and experiences.
My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. With a solid foundational knowledge of various therapeutic methods, including CBT, ACT, exposure and response prevention (ERP), parent management therapy (PMT), trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) and person-centered therapy, I aim to provide you with effective support. I have a clinical interest in anxiety disorders, ADHD, and autism, coupled with personal experience in working with neurodivergent individuals. I also have knowledge and understanding of the adoption process and navigating open-adoption relationships. Additionally, my extensive background as an educator has equipped me with valuable insights into the intricacies of engaging with children, parents, and families and the unique challenges that arise within these relationships.
I am a graduate student in Social Work at The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. I am honored to be a recipient of the James C. Sellers Endowed Scholarship. I am an active member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Honor Society. With over fifteen years of experience as an arts educator, I bring a unique perspective to my work. I earned my bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Memphis and my visual arts specialist certification for teaching in K-12 school environments. I served as a family behavior interventionist during my previous internship, working closely with youth, young adults, and families.
I enjoy spending time on a range of pursuits, most of which involve making a mess, including painting, gardening, baking, and DIY home decorating.