Melissa Simard MSc, LAC, NCC, CCTS-A

Melissa’s professional foundation is grounded in a strong academic and clinical education, supported by extensive specialized training in trauma-informed and equine-assisted modalities. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Applied Animal Science with a concentration in Equine Management from the University of New Hampshire, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Child and Adolescent Development from Southern New Hampshire University, graduating Cum Laude.

Building on her academic success, Melissa completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University, graduating Cum Laude, and holds the credential of National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Melissa has completed advanced clinical, trauma, and equine-assisted training, including:

• EMDR Trained
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trained
• Equid-Nexus Trained
• Eagala Trained (also serving as an Eagala Equine Specialist)
• ARCH Trained and ARCH Member
• Icarus Level 1 Trained
• Forward Facing Freedom Certified for trauma and addiction recovery

She also holds specialized trauma credentials as a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Addiction and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II.

Melissa supports clients experiencing PTSD, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), trauma-related symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and addiction recovery, among other mental health needs. A core component of her work includes somatic awareness integrated with equine-assisted psychotherapy, through which clients learn to recognize and regulate body-based responses. She also provides Internal Family Systems (IFS) with equine, helping clients safely access, understand, and heal internal parts of self through the feedback and presence of the horse.

Guided by a strengths-based and future-focused orientation, Melissa believes in each person’s ability to heal, grow, and reconnect with their inner resilience. She integrates the unique healing presence of horses, making the therapeutic experience both enriching and transformative for children, adults, veterans, active-duty service members, and families.

Outside her clinical work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her children, riding and working with horses, embracing the outdoors, and nurturing her well-being through fitness and mindfulness practices.