Melissa is from St. Petersburg, Florida and earned her bachelor’s in social work from the University of South Florida, St. Pete and her master’s in social work from the University of South Florida, Tampa. Melissa has experience in community mental health, medical social work, juvenile justice, and spent the majority of her career in school social work. Though working with adolescents was her favorite role, Melissa views her collaboration with Equality Florida as a highlight in her tenure with Pinellas County Schools. Melissa worked as a district liaison providing safe and supportive learning environments trainings and district level support for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Most recently, Melissa had a private practice focused on working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folx. She is licensed in Florida and Connecticut and holds school social work certifications in both states.
Melissa is a first-generation college graduate, excited to reconnect with her Appalachian roots here in Rocky Top. Go Vols!
Research Interests
- Queer Joy as a Protective and Compensatory Experience (PACE)
- The role of community in LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan
- Disability justice in social work education
- Policy outcomes in LGBTQ+ health disparities