Why Melissa?

My philosophy and practice has evolved from 25 plus years of experience in the fields of mental health, business and conflict resolution. I believe that couples and families who are seeking assistance with resolving conflict are best served by a balanced and experienced approach from a professional who can draw upon a complimentary set of skills and disciplines.

In the area of divorce mediation, I will help you determine what your end result will be. I bring no preconceived ideas to the table. My mediation and coaching services are not about achieving any particular result other than what the clients seek to achieve. I empower you to determine your future.

Most clients have the potential to gain the understanding and skills that can enable them to resolve future conflicts on their own. My process offers clients a practical learning experience with concrete tools and resources that can be applied in any and all areas of their lives.

Why I do this work……

I have experienced a significant number of transitions in my life and I have redefined myself both professionally and personally. As a result of those transitions, including my own divorce, I am motivated to help people find their inner drive for change. I enjoy showing families that they can change their perceptions and make new and different choices for themselves. It is humbling to walk alongside a family as they find themselves empowered to make change, essentially walking through the fear and unknown by tapping into their inner resources, and to bear witness to the compassion, courage, resilience, creativity and wisdom that we all possess.

I attended Illinois State University, receiving my undergraduate degree in Recreation and Park administration, and went on to become a Recreation Therapist. After working with multiple special populations, including HIV/AIDS-impacted families, pediatric wards of the state and children at the Jewish Community Center in Louisville KY, I became weary of working when everyone else was recreating. In 1993 I went to work for Catalyst Benefits, Inc. in Northbrook where, amongst other positions, I was the National Director of Marketing and Business Development. In this role I travelled the country and worked with hospital aging affinity programs on how to better serve their aging populations. I became a prolific public speaker, addressing large groups of aging adults on the topic of long term care planning. I trained, supervised and managed a national team of experts on case management, long term planning and family intervention. 

While working full-time at Catalyst, I became involved with the nationally recognized woman’s organization, Woman Within. It is here I began my training in conflict resolution, communication skills and empowerment. In 2007, I served a two-year term as president of Woman in Circle, the local chapter of WWI. Through my involvement with this organization, I found my calling as a facilitator for change. I began leading trainings and workshops on communication, conflict resolution and process work. 

In 2009, I received a graduate degree in Counseling from National Louis University and began my full-time career as a clinical counselor. I pride myself on tackling the most difficult of cases. I have clinical training with sex offenders, domestic violence offenders, trauma, substance abuse, personality disorders, relationships, couples counseling and divorce. In almost all of the work I do with families, my conflict resolution skills have been a key factor in the parties working through their issues and coming together to reach resolution even when that resolution may mean agreeing to separate.

I received my Mediation training from Northwestern University and my Collaborative Law training from the Collaborative Law Institute of IL. Along with being a Mediator, I am a Collaborative Law fellow acting as a Divorce Coach in the Collaborative Divorce Process. I also spent time as an adjunct professor at National Louis University.

I am fully committed to changing the way divorce happens. I have discovered that when the balance between a great connection, compassion, and the right amount of levity can be found, the mediation process will usually lead to a resolution for which the clients take pride.