Melissa Deroche

Dr. Melissa Deroche has formal training as a professional counselor and counselor educator and supervisor. Dr. Deroche is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a National Certified Counselor. For 10+ years, she worked as a professional counselor in community-based mental health agencies, rehabilitation organizations, a state psychiatric hospital, and private practice. Much of her clinical experience has entailed counseling clients who are members of traditionally underserved populations, including individuals with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons from low SES. In 2014, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) recognized her service to the profession and underserved populations and chose her as one of twenty two doctoral-level minority fellows, resulting in a $20,000 scholarship. Since 2017, Dr. Deroche has worked as a counselor educator and taught in traditional face-toface, hybrid, and online environments. At Walden University, Dr. Deroche is a Contributing faculty member in the Counseling Department. Throughout her career, she has delivered 35+ peer-reviewed presentations at national, regional, and state counseling conferences. Her research interests encompass multicultural education, training, and competence specific to individuals with disabilities.