Meet Melissa
Imagine if your divorce wasn’t the crisis you thought it would be? Or what if your coparenting relationship could be productive - conducive even - to raising happy and well-adjusted kids? What if, rather than padding your lawyer’s pockets, you were able to reserve your nest egg to send your own kids to college? This is why I am so passionate about the growing field of divorce coaching - because it was born out of a dire need to help families achieve these goals.
If you are contemplating, navigating, or recovering from a divorce, your mind has probably entertained every worst case scenario. You may have already made some wrong turns - hired the “bulldog attorney,” allowed your emotions to get the better of you, been unprepared for mediation - and realized each mistake is costly, not only in money, but in destruction to your peace and your relationships.
My approach to working with clients is grounded in alternative dispute resolution, or the principle that it only takes one party to shift the conflict dynamic and create better outcomes for you and your children. I blend empathy with strategy and education, bringing a directive and solution-focused coaching approach. Of course, your emotions are important, but this is not the place for waffling or venting for hours on end. Because I have been in your shoes before and I know that, more than anything, you want your divorce and co-parenting problems to be microscopic.
My Values
CURIOSITY
If you want better answers, you need to ask better questions. Questions uncover blind spots that deepen awareness of yourself and your situation.
WARMTH
Optimal functioning requires acceptance and a non-judgemental space. Healing is facilitated when we feel welcome because of, not despite, our imperfections.
HUMOR
Humor can help reframe how we see situations, not to mention that laughter was likely an important element missing in your marriage.
APPROACHABILITY
There is enough unknown in a divorce. At the very least, know that there is a place you can turn for answers and support.
Affiliated Organizations
Education and Qualifications
Masters in Counseling - Wake Forest University
Certified Divorce Specialist, CDS®
Associate Certified Coach - International Coaching Federation
Evidence-Based Parenting Certified, Mental Health Academy
Master of Healthcare Administration — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science, Honors in Biology — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill