Melissa has served in counseling and women's discipleship for over twenty years, in local church settings and non-profit organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree in History and previously worked as a teacher, curriculum writer, and research editor. In 2011, Melissa completed her MA in Biblical Counseling at The Master's University and has received further training with the Global Trauma Recovery Institute and CCEF. She also serves as a board member of the Christian Trauma Healing Network.
Melissa facilitates the ReStoried women's support groups for those recovering from abuse and trauma. She has been a conference speaker, blog contributor, and podcast guest with PeaceWorks, Help[H]er, and the Christian Trauma Healing Network. She also provides seminars and workshops regularly on abuse and trauma, ministry burnout, and counselor development. Melissa’s desire to walk alongside those who are suffering or struggling has been an overflow of seeing God's rich grace of healing and restoration poured out in her own life.
Melissa delights in exploring the outdoors and local coffee shops.
B.A., History
M.A., Biblical Counseling
Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider - Level 1
Abuse and trauma recovery, pastoral/ministry care, emotional and relational health, sexuality
Green, Remote
When the scribes and chief priests told Herod of the coming birth of Christ, they echoed the words of the prophet Isaiah. This announcement described a ruler, unlike any ruler that had come before. Jesus turned everyone’s idea of a ruler on its head.
Many of the proverbs are known for providing punchy truths that are intended to be life principles on the path toward wisdom. They offer us a wide variety of applications when we find ourselves facing a difficult life circumstance or navigating the complexities of a fractured relationship.
Grief is something I can count on as sure as I can count on the darkness setting in each night. As a counselor, grief is attached to many of the circumstances that bring people into my office. Whether it’s the grief of an unexpected loss, the sorrow of a broken marriage, or the sadness of a desire unfulfilled.
One of the most straightforward, and yet most easily overlooked tools we have in the process of change is prayer. Perhaps that sounds overly simplistic, and it may be depending on the complexities of one’s troubles.
A counseling support group for those who have experienced abuse and the impact of trauma
The Women in Ministry Cohort (WIMC) will provide a caring and supportive small group experience for women serving as ministry leaders
The enemy’s presence is sinister and suffocating. But Jesus’ presence promises eternal fullness – abundance.
Our thankfulness must be rooted in the hope Jesus won for us at the cross, not in the status of our current circumstances. When we form our gratitude around the shape of eternity rather than the hardships and heartaches of today, we will see our thankfulness multiplied.
Last week the Fieldstone team had the opportunity to join with hundreds of other counselors and ministry leaders in Greensboro, North Carolina for the annual CCEF conference. Fieldstone’s Executive Director, Jonathan Holmes, currently serves on the CCEF Board of Directors, and was featured as one the speakers at the conference.
There’s a demographic in your church who are in really difficult situations and likely won’t speak up.
As a counselor, I see anxiety, sorrow and grief attached to many of the circumstances that bring people into my office—or currently, to my computer screen.
Our Counseling Team
Dave AbernethyCounselor
Melissa AffolterCounselor
Hyemin BahkCounseling Apprentice
Benjamin BakerCounselor
Benjamin BarnesCounselor
Grace BikisCounselor
Karen BrooksCounseling Apprentice
Steve BroughtonCounselor
Richard BueschCounselor
Francene CandelariaCounselor
Joshua ConwellCounselor
Karen CorcoranCounselor
Barry CuretonCounselor
Rachel DunnCounselor
Jason EnglerCounselor
Jessica GallinaCounselor
Brenda HarstineCounselor
Jonathan HolmesCounselor
Joy HuCounselor
Laura HudsonCounselor
Joseph HussungCounselor
Sarah KeeneCounselor
Crystal KershawCounselor
Jonathan KimCounseling Apprentice
Julie MacDonaldCounselor
Mandie MarshallCounseling Apprentice
Shannon McCoyCounselor
Clair NorthcuttCounseling Apprentice
Sarah QuayCounseling Intern
Elizabeth SelleCounselor
Sarah Shaw OjedaCounselor Apprentice
Bob ShullCounselor
Lori TanakaCounseling Apprentice
Kali ThomasCounselor
Ian TullyCounselor
Marilyn VaughanCounselor
Anna WalkerCounselor
Danielle WareCounselor
Taylor WestCounselor
Brandi YackeeCounselor
Questions? Reach out at office@fieldstonecounseling.org
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