Fresh out of high school, Melissa Parker began working at her local YWCA on Spring Street in Portland, Maine. As a staff member in the Head Start program, she quickly realized the needs so many children and families were facing in southern Maine—and she knew she wanted to help.
She didn’t know then that she’d someday be a licensed social worker and clinician—or a part of Spurwink’s Affiliate program. Melissa has now worked in social services for 23 years and been a practicing clinician for 15. Though her skillset and work have changed, she still focuses on serving at-risk youth and families.
Finding her path
After working with the YWCA, Melissa became involved in behavioral health and safety planning through several residential and crisis stabilization programs. She is grateful to her mentor, Tom Riddell, LCPC, for teaching her all about preventative crisis work, crisis response, in-home services, and family therapy for at-risk youth.
Other roles she pursued included time at East End Community School in Portland and working in the Special Education department at English High School in Boston. At English High School, she developed a program to support seniors and first-generation college students.
She feels blessed to have collaborated with Pastor Christopher Sumner, a well-known advocate for children and families in Boston. “Chris passed away this July, but his passion for helping others surely motivated and inspired me to continue,” Melissa shared.
Following these periods of her career, Melissa stated, “I had enough experience and experience to build the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams of having my OWN practice one day—where I could pursue my own personal interest of treating people with anxiety disorders.”
Informed and inspired by personal experience
In addition to her experiences in the community, Melissa was also inspired to work in the behavioral health field by her own childhood experiences.
“I live with my own anxiety disorder, as I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder at age six through a school psychological evaluation,” she shared. For this reason, she wanted to start a private practice specializing in anxiety. “I knew I had a lot to offer other people dealing with similar struggles.”
Melissa credits her mother, Sheila, for being an “incredible advocate” who ensured she received early interventions, including a 504 plan, so she could get the education she needed.
Thriving in her private practice
Melissa’s favorite part of working in this field is witnessing growth and stability in her clients. She also feels deeply connected to her faith when she is helping others in need.
She is extremely grateful for the support she’s received from Spurwink’s Affiliate program over the last decade. As an Affiliate provider, Melissa is able to focus on her clients while Spurwink handles the back-end work of running a private practice.
“When my father became ill with cancer, supervisors were right there, routinely checking in on me to make sure I was okay and had everything I needed,” Melissa shared. “When I decided I wanted to pursue my PhD, supervisors were right there, writing me letters of recommendation.”
She also emphasized that the supervisions and trainings Spurwink provides have helped her grow in confidence, knowledge, and understanding, enabling her to continue helping others in a profound way.
“Professionally and personally, they’ve helped me grow into a clinician I always hoped to be—specializing in anxiety and paying it forward to people who are also battling these struggles. For this, I am forever grateful.”
To learn more about becoming a Spurwink Affiliate Provider, reach out to our team at affiliateinfo@spurwink.org or visit spurwink.org/affiliates.
Photographer: Eric Snyder at www.ericsnyderphoto.com
