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

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

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Excellent webinar!

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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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You are a ray of sunshine.

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The Webinar was highly informative.

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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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Your words and example inspire me to be a better person. I especially admire your openess to embracing change. Everyone who knows you can't say enough about how much they adore you. You clearly have touched many lives, including mine, in profound ways.

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(With) the recent loss of a loved one, the presentation was very helpful.

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

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

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I think this is a very valuable offering. I was surprised at how much I benefited from one session with Melissa. The conversation felt natural and covered a variety of topics that were contributing to the struggle I was experiencing. I felt encouraged after our call, and the effects were long-lasting.

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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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Thank you for your kindness, love and strong leadership.

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You are a gift to all who know you. Keep beaming your light!

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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