Melissa Yates

Phase Three - Fellow

About Me

Melissa is a dedicated professional nearing the end of a 20-year career in the United States Air Force. Her journey as an independent medic was marked by numerous deployments and a steadfast commitment to serving her country. With her unwavering dedication, Melissa not only gained extensive experience but also developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel and their families.

Melissa’s passion for helping others led her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at Florida State University in 2023. Shortly after graduating, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate. As she prepares to retire from the Air Force next summer, Melissa is excited about her future endeavors. Her focus is on providing counseling and therapy services to the local community, with a special emphasis on supporting the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Melissa’s transition from the military to the field of social work is driven by a deep desire to continue helping others, now as a civilian, and make a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.