Equine Assisted Learning Specialist
Melissa graduated with her Associate’s in Applied Animal Science with a major in Equine Management from the University of New Hampshire. She furthered her education and graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development from Southern New Hampshire University. Melissa has always had a passion to join equine assisted learning and psychotherapy together because she saw the tremendous benefits horses brought to the healing process. She became certified in 2017 using the Eagala model, (Equine assisted growth and learning association). She first applied this model in South Carolina where she became certified, and currently in Arizona working with children, adults, individuals, groups, and military members and their families, who have had trauma, depression, addiction, anxiety, disabilities, and dual diagnoses.
She recently became a designated ARCH member, (ARenas for CHange), and also practices equine assisted learning. She is currently finishing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Melissa believes horses have the ability to heal and help clients move forward by discovering their hidden strengths, future focused, goal directed, focusing on seeking solutions rather than dwelling on the past. She believes your past doesn’t define your future.
Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and children, riding horses, the outdoors, and fitness and health with the mind, body, and spirit.
Melissa has traveled all over the United States and the world, living in Japan for four years and embracing their culture. She enjoys learning about different cultures and is very in tuned to cultural diversity.