Melissa Smallwood, MS, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and parent/family coach who has a passion for fostering hope for families. When in middle school, Melissa confided in a counselor about things happening in her home and was placed in the foster care system as a result. Melissa aged out of the system after running away at 15 and ended up on her own and pregnant. Melissa overcame many challenges and went on to become a foster family with her husband and subsequently an adoptive parent as well as a mental health professional. Now Melissa uses her personal and professional experience to bring hope and encouragement to parents and those working with trauma affected kids and their families. When not working and teaching, Melissa can be found on the beach with a book or traveling with her husband of 27 years as they enjoy their (semi) empty nest.