Since 2003, Melissa has specialized in working with court involved youth or at risk children, adolescents, young adults, and their families who have experienced interpersonal violence (including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, neglect and domestic violence), intrafamilial sexual abuse, adolescent sexual offending, problematic sexual behaviours involving children under 12 years, depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress.  She has developed specialized assessment and treatment skills in these areas. She has also provided training and consultation to issues related to trauma and adolescent sexual offending. Prior to 2004, Melissa worked within the violence against women sector supporting survivors of sexual assault, woman-abuse, and their children. Melissa has professional affiliation with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, the Ontario Association of Social Workers, and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers.  In addition to her position at Radius Child and Youth Services, Melissa is currently operating a private practice and consults to Youth Connections/Fostering Family Relations, which is a specialized residential treatment centre for adolescents who have engaged in sexually abusive behaviours as well as a foster care program for highly vulnerable and at risk youth.  Melissa holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Ryerson University.