Melissa graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.  She is originally from Greenville, North Carolina but has lived in many different parts of the state including Cullowhee, Greensboro and now Wake Forest.  Melissa has experience in a wide variety of settings including acute care, outpatient therapy neuro, outpatient ortho, school settings, early intervention in natural settings and running her own private business in pediatrics.  After working in many different areas, she has found pediatrics to be her passion.  Melissa has experience with many types of pediatric diagnoses including orthopedic and neurologic impairments, genetic disorders, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, and cognitive delays.

Melissa has training in The DIR/Floortime Approach, Learn to Play the NDT Way, Julia Harper’s Reflex Integration, The Alert Program for Self-Regulation, TEACCH: Lets Play! Building Social Engagement Skills with Young Children, adaptive equipment, The St. Joseph’s Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Approach, and Kristen Brackett’s Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders.  

Melissa enjoys utilizing a variety of approaches including floor play, sensory integration, reflex integration, and parent education.  She believes that every child is unique and that treatments sessions should reflect each child’s strengths and weaknesses.  Parents/caregivers are a vital piece of a child’s development and Melissa believes that parent education is essential for goal achievement.  She is passionate about providing kids with the tools to thrive in their environment and develop skills through play.    

Melissa is a mother to 2 girls and has 2 dogs at home.  She enjoys playing outside with her kids, exploring community activities with her family, and traveling.