Credentials & Certifications

DePauw University, B.A.

University of Virginia, M.Ed.

Chicago Theological Seminary, M.Div.

Certified Grief Counselor: American Academy of Grief Counseling

Certified Mediator

Prepare & Enrich Marriage Counseling

Stephen Ministry Leader and Minister

Clinical Pastoral Education

Mental Health First Aid

Northwestern University Faith and Leadership

Testimonials

Melissa was fantastic. In just one session she was able to help me figure out where my grief was coming from and recommended more in person local therapy.

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In the 11 months I have been attending Innovative Educators workshops, this was probably my favorite. Excellent workshop!

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Thank you for your kindness, love and strong leadership.

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Your encouragement and compassion have been a response to my prayers.

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Thank you for the sermon on Sunday. It was just what we needed to hear at this time... My 18 year old cousin, who is gay, was at the baptisim and it brought me to tears to see her feel loved and supported. Thank you for a morning our family will never forget.

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Excellent webinar!

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You gave me courage to use my voice. Your smile and gentle way of helping me made me feel safe.

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Thank you for being there/supporting me/ pushing me and guiding me with love these past months. YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE WHEN I TRULY NEEDED IT!

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I appreciate your knowledge, compassion, wisdom and care. You have been a big help to me this past year and it is reassuring to have you in my corner. I/ we, the church community, are lucky to have you with us on our journeys.

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You are a ray of sunshine.

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Love your caring and loving approach to those in pain or in trials.

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Melissa is helping me balance my personal life and become more productive at work.

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Melissa had some very unique suggestions, and she had a way of making me feel at ease during this difficult conversation.

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Thank you for coming to see me and letting me let my frustrations out!

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I felt a great burden lifted after only an hour meeting. She listened and provided constructive solutions in a compassionate and professional manner

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My Story

In 2009 Melissa became a Stephen Ministry Leader through her work at her United Church of Christ (UCC) church. She trained those who worked with others and supported many within her UCC church family during their most challenging days. Melissa is known and recognized for her gifts as a compassionate listener, faithful optimist, and knowledgeable confidante.

Melissa earned her Masters in Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary and is an ordained UCC minister and certified grief counselor. Early in her career, after earning a Masters in Education from the University of Virginia and a B.A. in Education from DePauw University, Melissa taught at the elementary level working with diverse populations and has also taught English Language Acquisition (ELA) at the college level.

Melissa teaches through webinars, facilitating retreats, and speaking engagements. Her passion is to acknowledge and address the grief we will all eventually experience, understand the impacts of loss, and treat each other kindly and gently while walking through dark days back into the light of hope.

Melissa McCreery Douaire