Melissa enjoys interacting with youth in a direct, down-to-earth and compassionate manner in order to promote understanding and a sense of safety. She feels it is important to understand cultural practices and traditions as part of helping youth from various backgrounds feel understood and at ease. Melissa earned her associate degree in nursing at College of Marin and her Master of Science in Counseling and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology both from San Francisco State University. She has experience working in a variety of nursing fields and a long-time passion working with youth. Melissa has worked as a residential counselor at Huckleberry House, an intern/health educator at Huckleberry Teen Clinic, an intern with San Rafael Police Department Youth Service Unit, and completed her mental health rotation at Herrick Alta Bates. While interning with SRPD, she accompanied male teens to San Quentin Prison as part of the SQUIRES program. In her free time Melissa enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and training in Krav Maga self-defense.
