Melissa (She/Her) is a trauma-informed yoga facilitator (TCTSY-F, RYT 500), mental health therapist, clay artist and desert lover.
Melissa has taught yoga in a variety of settings including local studios, military installations, community centers and festivals. Melissa created and implemented the first and only trauma-informed yoga program for Marines and Sailors at the Community Counseling Center aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in Twentynine Palms, CA. Melissa also partners with local non-profits to offer yoga workshops. Melissa has completed the 300-hour Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Certification Program through the Center for Trauma & Embodiment. TCTSY is the only yoga intervention approved as an evidence-based practice for treating complex trauma and PTSD.
Spanning a 22 year career in mental health, Melissa has extensive experience facilitating trauma-informed healing spaces. Melissa has been described as: attuned, supportive, intuitive, rooted, creative, embodied, and fun. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate, holistic mental health care and wellness offerings in the community.