← ABOUT US

Melissa Affolter

Counselor, Director of Content & Green Team Coordinator

ABOUT

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 has been a conference speaker, guest contributor, and podcast guest on the topic of abuse and trauma with PeaceWorks, Help[H]er, and the Christian Trauma Healing Network.

Melissa facilitates the ReStoried women's support groups for those recovering from abuse and trauma. She also speaks regularly on topics related to 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.

EDUCATION

B.A., History
M.A., Biblical Counseling

AREAS OF INTEREST

Abuse & trauma recovery, pastoral/ministry care, relationship dynamics, sexuality

LOCATIONS

Green, Remote

FEATURED RESOURCES

Prayer in the Process of Change

June 8, 2023June 8, 2023

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.

ReStoried Support Group

March 22, 2023May 10, 2023

A counseling support group for those who have experienced abuse and the impact of trauma

Women in Ministry Cohort

January 16, 2023May 10, 2023

The Women in Ministry Cohort (WIMC) will provide a caring and supportive small group experience for women serving as ministry leaders

Creation Declares

September 2, 2022May 10, 2023

Retreating to Nature for Health and Healing

Presence, Power & Green Pastures

February 11, 2022May 10, 2023

The enemy’s presence is sinister and suffocating. But Jesus’ presence promises eternal fullness – abundance.

Thanks & Thanksgiving

November 22, 2021May 10, 2023

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.

Reflections From the CCEF Conference

October 22, 2021May 10, 2023

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.

silhouette of woman standing near window blinds

How to help during the rise of domestic abuse due to social isolation

April 16, 2020May 10, 2023

There’s a demographic in your church who are in really difficult situations and likely won’t speak up.

Emotions: An Invitation

April 16, 2020May 10, 2023

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.