My "Why"
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The work I do today grew from the hardest, most unimaginable chapter of my life. After the suicide of my 21-year-old son, Alex, I spent years learning how to carry grief while still finding ways to live forward.
Four years after his death, I began creating spaces where grief could be spoken aloud, stories could be honored, and connection could replace isolation.
Today I work with survivors, communities, and organizations in several ways — through coaching, storytelling support, and speaking about suicide loss, postvention, and the long road of life after loss.
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1:1 Coaching for Moms
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I work one-on-one with mothers who are learning to live forward after the suicide loss of a child. These conversations create space for honest reflection, identity rebuilding, and the long-term integration of grief into a meaningful life.
There are two coaching paths available, depending on where you are in your grief:
Destination: Me™
Soul Tides™Â
Stories, Books & Legacy Support
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For many survivors, telling the story of their loved one — or their own experience of grief — becomes part of the healing process. I offer compassionate guidance for those who want to write, organize, or publish their story in a meaningful way.
With years of experience as a published author and legacy project creator, I can support everything from shaping a developing story to preparing a completed manuscript for self-publication. Don't want to learn self-publishing? I can do that too if needed.Â
A few ways we might work together:
• Guided story development
• Compassionate manuscript review
• Publishing support for completed manuscripts
• Full self-publishing support from layout to launch
Each project is unique and offered on a case-by-case basis.Â
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Email Melissa About Your Heart's Project
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A Weekly Check-In for Fellow Grievers
Most weeks, I send a short note — reflections from the rabbit hole, reminders you're not alone, and a few honest thoughts about learning to live forward after loss.
Nothing heavy. Nothing overwhelming. Just a little companionship in your inbox.-- reaching 1000+ fellow grievers. weekly
 Speaking & CollaborationÂ
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Melissa speaks with grief communities, mental-health organizations, universities, podcasts, and community groups about suicide loss, postvention, storytelling, and the long road of life after loss. Her voice is grounded in lived experience, compassionate honesty, and a deep commitment to changing the way we talk about suicide and support those left behind.
She regularly contributes to conversations that help communities understand suicide loss more deeply and create space for healing, remembrance, and prevention.
Speaking & Collaboration Options
• Keynote presentations
• University and campus events
• Podcast interviews and guest conversations
• Panel discussions
• Research or documentary collaboration
Speaking invitations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
At minimum, transportation and lodging must be covered for in-person events. Some engagements may also include an honorarium depending on the organization and event.
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Email with Your Invite for Melissa to Speak