Melissa Russell-Plunkett  MS, NCC, LMHC
she/her/hers

Melissa’s sweet, casual, and calm demeanor brings an authenticity to counseling which helps clients to see the humor in the hectivity of life. She provides a compassionate and insightful dynamic to those seeking validation, acceptance, and empowerment–including those who identify as LGBTQI+ and their allies. She enjoys implementing creative techniques to help clients see their presenting issues in a different light and to work towards positive change. She works with children, adolescents, and adults in a collaborative manner to create their space, at their pace, and with lots of grace to accomplish their goals.

Education & Experience

​Melissa, a Nationally Certified Counselor, brings a diverse set of professional experiences to her work with clients. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from nearby Franklin College and obtained her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Capella University. She worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and aided hundreds of survivors to increase or maintain their safety. She also presented dating violence prevention programs to over a thousand middle and high school students to aid in changing the culture of acceptance of abusive behaviors in young, formative relationships. 

​Melissa’s journey has also included life-altering lessons. As a mother of two children with severe Autism, she understands the struggle of caring for and advocating for special needs individuals. As a bereaved parent, she’s endured unfathomable loss but experienced transformative growth as well. She completed training through the Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) perinatal bereavement program to provide care to parents who have lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal demise. She has also completed training through Postpartum Support International to work with individuals experiencing perinatal mood disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety.

Specialties and Issues

Serving children, adolescents, and adults

​Anxiety	Depression
​Grief and Bereavement	​Perinatal Mood Disorders
Bi-polar	Parenting
Addictions	Compulsive Disorders
Gifted issues (adults & children)	Domestic/Interpersonal Violence recovery
Self Esteem	Stress Management
Motivation	Personal Growth