With an educational background in Clinical Psychology through the Aliento Program at Pepperdine University, Melissa brings a strong foundation in culturally and linguistically responsive care, as well as community-based and systemic approaches to therapy. She brings over five years of experience in community mental health, working with individuals, families, and youth across diverse settings. Her specialized training includes trauma-informed care, ACEs Aware, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which support her work with those navigating the impacts of trauma and adversity. Her commitment to advocacy and healing-centered engagement was deepened through her role as a SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) Specialist with YWCA, where she provided crisis support to survivors.

Outside the therapy room, Melissa is proud to be born and raised in the Bay Area, where her raíces (roots) and comunidad (community) have shaped her values both personally and professionally. She loves spending time with her playful Frenchie, Dexter, and co-creating local eventos comunitarios (community events) and fundraisers that uplift and support historically marginalized communities. Whether it's through terapia (therapy) or community work, she's committed to creating spaces rooted in conexión (connection), cuidado (care), and justicia (justice).

• Melissa offers a therapeutic relationship rooted in curiosity, trust, and collaboration, where clients often feel genuinely heard and empowered to take steps that feel right for them.

• She brings specialized expertise in working with generational trauma, immigration issues, separations/divorce, low self-esteem, improving relationship with body, life changes, grief, generalized anxiety, and managing stress.

• Melissa incorporates somatic tools that support nervous system regulation and emotional processing, helping clients develop stronger connections between their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences.