The Heart of Who We Are
At the heart of Phoenix Junction Kids Wellness lies a story that is as tender as it transformative. Melissa, our co-founder, watched her daughter Phoenix go to pre-school every morning with tear-filled eyes and come back the same way each afternoon. Determined to be that first embrace of comfort, Melissa would arrive an hour or more early to station herself first in the carpool line. On one fateful day, little Phoenix, hand-in hand with her teacher, approached the car, desperately holding back her tears. Once nestled inside with her mother and nana, Phoenix’s emotions overflowed, leading her to belt out, “Why can’t you just teach people how to be kind?” Melissa’s heart ached, with tears of her own , softly replied, “I wish I could, little one.” But Phoenix, with the fierce clarity of youth, sat up straight, wiped away her tears, and challenged, “Why can’t you?” When words failed Melissa to come up with a response to soothe Phoenix, she looked deep into her eyes and said, “I can try.” From this poignant moment, Phoenix Junction Kids Wellness was born, a testament to a mother’s love and a child’s undying hope for a kinder world.
Melissa and her young co-founder Phoenix embarked on a journey to create a kids wellness brand that not only nurtures the physical health of our children but also cultivates the growth of compassionate, confident, and joyful individuals.
Together, they are reimagining children’s wellness, proving that the most powerful lessons are taught through the language of love — to oneself and to others. Join us in celebrating the magic of self-discovery, friendship, and kindness as we inspire children to be the best versions of themselves, and in doing so, illuminate the path to a brighter, kinder future for all.
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
Meet Phoenix, the embodiment of kindness and compassion that shines as brightly as her name suggests. With a heart full of empathy and a spirit as gentle as a fluttering butterfly, Phoenix is on a mission to spread the magic of kindness throughout the world.
From an early age, Phoenix has displayed an innate understanding of the power that kindness holds. She sees the world through a unique lens, one that focuses on the beauty of human connection and the impact that even the smallest acts of goodness can have. Every smile she shares, every hand she extends, and every comforting word she offers serves as a testament to her belief that kindness is a universal language that transcends barriers.
This young trailblazer finds herself on a quest to discover if kind people truly exist in every corner of the globe. Through her adventures and encounters, Phoenix seeks to uncover stories of generosity that remind us all of the remarkable potential within humanity. With every new friendship she forms, and every story she hears, she finds her conviction in the inherent goodness of people growing stronger.
Phoenix is well aware of the difference that kindness can make in the lives of individuals and communities. She dreams of a world where every action is rooted in compassion and where each person’s uniqueness is celebrated. Armed with her unwavering spirit and a heart full of hope, she eagerly shares her message that the world can become a better place when we choose kindness and compassion over indifference.
With boundless curiosity and an endless appetite for learning, Phoenix approaches life like an open book, eager to soak up new experiences and insights. Her radiant smile is a reflection of the joy she finds in connecting with others and in the simple pleasures of life. Through her innocence and authenticity, she reminds us all that kindness is a virtue we should nurture and pass on to future generations.
In a world that can sometimes seem daunting and divided, Phoenix stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a beaming future. She reminds us that in the tapestry of life, each thread of kindness we weave contributes to a more harmonious and compassionate world, where the ripples of our actions touch lives in ways we might never fully comprehend.
Melissa, with over 18 years of combined clinical and private practice experience, is not only a stalwart in the field of mental wellness but is also a registered trauma-informed children’s yoga instructor. Above all her professional achievements and accolades, holds the title of being a mother to her daughter Phoenix as her most cherished role. When Phoenix expressed her wish for her mother to teach the world to be kind, Melissa responded not just as a mother but also as a seasoned professional. With decades of unparalleled leadership in the mental health and non-profit arenas, she has a distinguished reputation of being a passionate and results oriented executive. Her work is a testament to her unyielding dedication to wellness, forging solid relationships and fostering inclusive environments.
Melissa’s career journey began at Children’s Medical Center. There, she showcased her ability to manage and mentor a sizable team, design and implement individualized behavior programs, hospital-wide Pediatric Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior instructor, and author of resources that enriched staff training. Her clinical expertise was evident in her endeavors, especially her work on discharge planning, aftercare, and patient education.
Venturing into private practice, she offered in-home behavioral therapy for families, created tailored wellness programs that allowed families to overcome mental health and relationship challenges that resulted in child and parental empowerment as well as advocated for complete family unity, and well-being. Melissa’a tenacity was further demonstrated in her roles at the Crowley-Carter Foundation and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. From strategizing operations for client’s better quality of life to orchestrating major foundation events, her contributions have been invaluable.
Hailing from Louisiana, educationally, Melissa is grounded with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Xavier University, New Orleans, and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. Additional certifications and accolades include Psychological Assessment Neuropsychology, Registered Adult and Children’s Instructor (trauma-informed), and a consistent recognition as a DFW Child Magazine Mom-Approved Clinician from 2020 to 2023.
At the heart of Melissa’s aspirations lies her promise to her daughter and her commitment to infuse emotional wellness, mindfulness, self-love, compassion, gratitude and kindness within families world-wide. Whether it’s her holistic approach, or her contributions to community centers, her calming presence, heart-first methodology, and unwavering dedication radiate brilliantly.
In both her professional journey and her mission with Phoenix Junction Kids Wellness, Melissa’s guiding principle is resounding: “Love self, love others, rise together.”