About
I came into this world with an optimistic, buoyant nature. I blend my ability to laugh, and find the humor in a situation, with deep empathy, an analytical mind, and a commitment to transparent communication.
I have been shaped by 12 years in the social work field, two years of international travel during which I studied permaculture and sustainability, and seven years as an environmental activist.
While working in the social work field, I witnessed the courage of the people I worked with and learned how resilient humans are. I saw the profound impact of stress on our lives and the critical need to address it both individually and as a society.
Traveling taught me how many different ways there are to create culture and address human needs.
As an environmental activist, changing existing building codes to successfully legalize sustainable building practices, I became resolute about activating the power that community members have over the rules and laws that govern them.
While working as an activist, I began what became five years of Somatic Experiencing therapy with a gifted practitioner. I had studied human behavior since I was a teenager, but viewing it through the lens of the nervous system provided a crucial new way to analyze and understand it. This perspective revealed how deeply our physiological responses shape our experiences, relationships, and overall well-being. Recognizing this connection offers a powerful opportunity to improve both individual health and the well-being of society as a whole.
My education in nervous system health includes certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, five years of deeply rewarding personal therapy with an excellent somatic therapist, and studies in neuroscience and the neurobiology of attachment.
What I offer is a synthesis of the most effective tools I have discovered through personal experience and my work supporting others in caring for themselves, their relationships, and their communities.
I am committed to helping people cultivate a sense of agency and self-determination over the health of their nervous system.
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Traveled to 34 countries
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BA in Sociology, minors in Fine Arts and Women's Studies
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BS in Social Science, minor in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience
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Primary caregiver for 83 year-old lovely mom, Ellen
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Over three decades of Facilitation experience
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Trained in Consensus Decision-Making
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Over 250 hours of Permaculture training
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12 years in the social work field
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7 years legalizing sustainable building practices
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Lover of Project Management and Organizational Design
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The Neurobiology of Attachment with Diane Poole Heller
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Floral Designer and student of Japanese flower arranging
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Human Rights Training with Loretta Ross's Calling in Culture
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Over 100 hours of DEI training with Multnomah County
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Strongly committed to the continued practice of Democracy
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Adopted by cute neighborhood cat, Coconut
Testimonial
"My ex-partner and I ended our relationship during rocky times, and having Melora's attentive care for our transition allowed us to meet each other in ways we never would have without her. Through her caring guidance we were able to see each other more clearly, and therefore act more compassionately. Her relational repair coaching technique is astounding, embedded with nervous system knowledge. Hands down she's my go-to for couples work around conflict and transformation."
Brian Johnson
