Melissa Child, PhD, MSW, LMSW, AAI-S, CTRI, CYT, holds a PhD in General Psychology with a focus on Performance Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work. She is certified as an Animal-Assisted Interventions Specialist, along with several other certifications in equine therapy and yoga therapy.

Melissa has extensive academic experience as a professor, where she shares her expertise in psychology, animal-assisted interventions, and trauma-informed care with students. Her academic work complements her clinical practice, allowing her to contribute to the education and development of future professionals in the field.

Her research focuses on the impact of human-animal interactions, particularly examining mindfulness growth in pet owners compared to non-pet owners and the effectiveness of equine-assisted psychotherapy for veterans with PTSD symptoms. Melissa blends psychological principles with animal-assisted therapies, bringing unique, research-backed methods to her clients.

As the editor of the APA’s Division 17, Section 13 Human-Animal Interactions newsletter, she remains deeply engaged in advancing the field of human-animal interactions. Melissa is also actively involved in various professional organizations and continues to explore cutting-edge practices in trauma-informed care and performance psychology.