DR. MEL DOESN’T JUST SPEAK—SHE IGNITES ACTION.

Every room she enters is infused with a vibrant, unstoppable energy that leaves people ready to make moves. There's no generic, one-size-fits-all here. Even her signature talks are customized to your audience and your mission. It's not just a speech—it's a life-changing conversation that hits hard and stays warm. When your people leave, they won't just be inspired—they'll be saying, "This was the most impactful experience I've ever had."

Request Dr. Mel for Your Event
Woman with red curly hair sitting on a rooftop stage, speaking into a microphone, with an audience seated on the grass in front of her. String lights and a banner reading "Strong Like A Mama" are visible in the background.

DR. MEL DOESN’T JUST SPEAK—SHE IGNITES ACTION.

Every room she enters is infused with a vibrant, unstoppable energy that leaves people ready to make moves. There's no generic, one-size-fits-all here. Even her signature talks are customized to your audience and your mission. It's not just a speech—it's a life-changing conversation that hits hard and stays warm. When your people leave, they won't just be inspired—they'll be saying, "This was the most impactful experience I've ever had."

Request Dr. Mel for Your Event

FEATURED IN

  • The word 'ESSENCE' written in bold, gray capital letters.
  • Vogue magazine logo in black and gray font
  • The New York Times logo in black text on a white background.
  • Business Insider logo with black text on a white background
  • Text reading 'Therapy for Black Girls' in white on a black background.
  • Text reading 'Good Housekeeping' in bold font.
  • HuffPost logo with bold, uppercase text
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio logo
  • Stylized text reading 'Mommy Scary' in a playful font.
  • The word 'BUSTLE' in white uppercase letters on a black background
  • Hey Mama logo in white text on a black background.
A yellow background with a symbol consisting of four triangles pointing outward, forming a star-like shape.

Watch Dr. Mel In Action

Check out these video clips and feel Dr. Mel's energy and passion

Getting Rid of Self-Doubt and Building Your Confidence

Setting Boundaries with a Narcissistic Family Member

Customize a Talk for Your Audience
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SIGNATURE SPEAKING TOPICS

Every signature talk hits differently.

When you bring Dr. Mel on stage—whether for your team or a room full of people—you're not just getting a speaker, you're getting an experience. There are no cookie-cutter presentations or cut-and-paste speeches. Each talk is customized from the ground up. She dives in deep, with prep calls, interviews with your influencers (or site visits if it makes sense), and personalized videos that get your people hyped before she even steps on stage. Dr. Mel doesn’t just show up—she makes sure everyone in that room feels seen, heard, and ready to level up.

  • Ditch the Guilt, Smash Expectations, and Live Your Truth 

    Feeling overwhelmed by society’s endless list of “shoulds”? “I should get married.”  “I should go home every Sunday for dinner.”  “I shouldn’t be depressed.”  “I should finish what I start.”  

    It’s time to break free from the chains of guilt and unrealistic expectations!  In this talk, we’ll tackle the toxic “shoulds” that weigh you down and keep you feeling heavy as you move through life.  The goal:  empowering you to live your most authentic truth and be a lot nicer to yourself too. Get ready to liberate yourself from societal pressures and embrace a life filled with confidence and authenticity. Say goodbye to the “shoulds” and hello to the life you truly love! 

  • Throw those societal norms in the trash,  Write your own rules, and Live Unapologetically 

    Are you tired of trying to fit into a mold that was never meant for you?  You know, the one that says you’re supposed to go to college, get the “perfect job”, have 2.5 kids, buy the house and experience all the “happiness” in the world.   Or what about the one that says you’re supposed to be a quiet demure woman who focuses on people pleasing and meeting the needs of everyone else except your own.  ‘Hard eye roll’.  

    It’s time to say “F the Template!”   Together, I will help you identify and smash through the societal norms that are holding you back. Unleash your inner badass, forge your own unique path, and live unapologetically. Get ready to break free from the boxes and live a life that’s as bold and vibrant as you are! 

  • Transform Your Life by Saying No and Taking Control 

    Sick of being the “nice girl” who always says yes?  Are you exhausted with your inner people pleaser ALWAYS winning even when you tell them to go stick it where the sun don’t shine!   

    It’s time to reclaim your power and master the art of setting boundaries like a boss! In this empowering session, you’ll learn how to say no without guilt, protect your energy (even from your family), and take control of your life. Transform from people-pleaser to boundary queen and watch your life flourish as you prioritize your own needs and desires. 

  • Identify Toxic Workplaces, Navigate Challenges, and Claim the Career and Salary You Deserve 

    Stuck in a soul-sucking job that’s draining your energy and joy?  And what if it was supposed to be your “dream job?”  It’s time for a Toxic Job Detox! This interactive experience will help you identify toxic workplaces, navigate the challenges they present, and survive with your sanity intact. More importantly, you’ll learn how to claim the career and salary you deserve. Break free from the toxic grind and thrive in a job that truly values and rewards you. 

  • Breaking Free from Archaic Norms to Create Inclusive and Authentic Workplaces 

    Description: The old rules of professionalism are outdated and exclusionary. It’s time to go Beyond The Suit and redefine what it means to be professional. This engaging talk will challenge archaic norms and champion authenticity and inclusivity in the workplace. Discover how you and your organization can embrace a new standard of professionalism that reflects true diversity and authenticity.  Studies show that when people can show up as their full selves to work, the quality and output of their work grows exponentially.  So let’s step into a future where everyone can bring their whole, authentic selves to work and thrive not only personally but for the organization as a whole! 

Request a Customized Talk
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Featured Thought Leadership: Essence Wellness House

A keynote moment featured by ESSENCE, centered on protecting mental health and emotional well-being.

A woman with short, curly, reddish hair wearing a white top and yellow pants holding a microphone, standing in front of an audience; another woman with blonde hair sitting on a bench, holding a microphone and a water bottle, listening.

HEY THERE—I’m Dr. Mel!  

Here’s what’s going to go down when you put me in front of your people: We’re about to get deep, we’re going to laugh, and yep, we might even cry (I might even shed a tear with you).  I’m not just showing up to talk cause you can hire just anyone to do that; I’m here to make sure every single person in that room feels seen and leaves knowing they’re ready to step into their full power.

People walk away from my talks saying they’ve never felt so SEEN, so damn energized, and so ready to shake off the stuff that’s been holding them back.  Organizers get text messages from within the first 5 minutes “I love her already!”  We’re not just gonna talk about being stuck; we’re gonna do something about it. You want action? That’s what I deliver—raw, unapologetic, and full of “oh sh*t, I can really do this” moments.

We’re talking tough love, real-time coaching, and those gut-check moments where excuses get smacked out of the way. I’m not here to tiptoe around comfort zones; Cause TUH’ what kinda growth actually happens in a comfort zone anyways?!?!  I’m here to blow right past them—together. And we’ll do it with warmth, humor, and that badass energy that I can’t help but bring into every room.

When I say this isn’t your average talk, I mean it. Your people will leave ready to take on the world, because this isn’t about surface-level feel-goods—this is about real transformation. And trust me, you’ll hear them say, “That was the most powerful thing I’ve ever experienced. Dr. Mel just changed my life!

What Audiences Are Saying

Quote card with a white background, yellow and blue design elements, featuring a quote: 'The content was incredible and super impactful.' and attributed to Orson B., 'Navigating the In Between' Workshop Attendee.
A quote on a presentation slide reads, 'I found the Dr. Mel's presentations inspiring.' The slide attributes the quote to Anne, a 'Navigating the In Between' workshop attendee, with a decorative blue and yellow border.
Testimonial quote about Dr. Mel's engaging presentation, praising her mnemonic devices, conversational style, and reflection points. The quote is attributed to Nya, a Private Practice Consultation Masterclass Attendee.

What Audiences Are Saying

Business testimonial quote praising Dr. Mel from Nya, a private practice consultation masterclass attendee, on a yellow and blue background.
Quote praising Dr. Mel's private practice support, from Dr. Donna Oriowo of AnnodRight, a private practice masterclass consultation attendee.
A testimonial quote about a financial consultation, highlighting a 30% revenue increase and gratitude to Dr. Mel for boosting confidence and worth in the supply-demand skill set, credited to an anonymous practice owner.

What Audiences Are Saying

Testimonial quote with yellow and blue design elements that reads 'Dr. Mel was really engaging.' and 'Bianca, an attendee of the Navigating the In Between Workshop'.
A quote graphic with a blue, yellow, and white color scheme. It features a quote that says, "It was fun, Didn't want it to end." followed by a note about sharing fabulous content, attributed to an anonymous attendee of a workshop titled "Navigating the In Between."
Quote from attendee at Soul Pods Leader Training praising Dr. Mel, saying it was a learning experience they will never forget.

What Audiences Are Saying

Quote about Dr. Mel's focus on relational aspects of implementing DBT skills with clients, credited to an anonymous source from Northside Center, on a presentation slide with blue, yellow, and white design elements.
Testimonial quote on a graphic background, stating: 'Dr. Mel was so engaging and knowledgeable.' by Caroline Plonsky from Northside Center, with a yellow and navy blue color theme.
Quote on a presentation slide with blue and yellow design elements, praising a workshop for its great information and ideas by John Haefner.

What Audiences Are Saying

A quote graphic with a yellow and blue background saying, "The session was very informative." attributed to Arlene Sanchez from Northside Center.
Quote card with a yellow and blue background displaying a quote: "The content was incredible and super impactful." The quote is attributed to Orson B., a workshop attendee of "Navigating the In Between."
Quote praising Dr. Mel for her authentic, engaging, relatable, and diverse approach to virtual audiences, attributed to Sekaiya Willis, Health Program Manager at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.

What Audiences Are Saying

Quote text on a presentation slide with a navy blue and yellow design background: "The content was incredible and super impactful." The quote is attributed to Orson B., from his workshop titled "Navigating the In Between."
Testimonial quote praising Dr. Mel, with a gold and navy color scheme and quotation marks at the top, from Nya, a private practice consultation masterclass attendee.
A quote on a graphic background reading, "I found the Dr. Mel's presentations inspiring," attributed to Anne, a "Navigating the In Between" workshop attendee, with yellow and dark blue design elements.
Quote with a yellow and blue design background, featuring the text: 'Dr. Mel was really engaging.' Really useful strategies with clear examples. Bianca, an attendee of the 'Navigating the In Between' Workshop.
A quote from Sekaiya Willis, Health Program Manager, Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, praising Dr. Mel for her engaging virtual presentation, visuals, and impact on audience and colleagues.
Quote about Dr. Mel focusing on relational aspects of implementing DBT skills with groups, anonymous, Northside Center
Testimonial quote: 'The session was very informative.' by Arlene Sanchez from Northside Center, on a presentation slide with blue, yellow, and white design elements.
Testimonial quote about Dr. Mel from Caroline Plonsky at Northside Center, with a yellow and navy blue background.
Quote in a presentation slide about a workshop, with a yellow and blue design and a white background for the text.
Quote card with yellow and blue design elements, containing a positive testimonial about an experience with Dr. Mel from an attendee of Soul Pods Leader Training.
A quote box with a navy blue and yellow background. The quote reads "It was fun, Didn't want it to end." and is attributed to an anonymous workshop attendee named "Navigating the In Between."
Testimonial graphic with a quote: "Fantastic presentation!" and a review saying, "Loved your authenticity and real life examples." from an anonymous attendee of Lil HAWT Sauce Webinar, with a blue and yellow background.
Testimonial quote about Dr. Mel on a colorful background, praising the effectiveness of private practice and mentioning Dr. Donna Oriowo of AnnodRight.

Previous Speaking Experience

  • Yellow asterisk symbol on black background.

    Bold Moves: Living Life on Your Own Terms

    The New York Times. Mental Health Awareness Month

  • A gold-colored asterisk symbol on a black background

    Purposeful & Profitable Therapist Summit

    Breakout Session Leader | From Broke To Boss: The Blueprint to Building a Thriving Cash Pay Practice

  • Black background with a yellow asterisk and the text 'Thank You'

    Hey Mama Co: Strong Like a Mama NYC

    Panel Speaker | Bridging the Gap, Physical & Mental Wellness

  • A yellow asterisk symbol on a black background.

    Nurture Home

    Keynote Speaker | THRIVE (Nurture Home Launch Event)

  • A black background with a yellow asterisk or star-like shape in the center.

    Saint Barnabus Hospital, NJ

    Panel Speaker | International Women’s Day

  • A black background with a yellow starburst symbol in the center.

    Being The One: Relationship Telesummit

    Session Speaker | “Situationships”

  • Black background with a yellow asterisk symbol in the center.

    Bullock Elementary School Parenting Workshop

    Parenting Hacks | Supporting Our Kids (And Ourselves) Through The Pandemic

  • A black and gold graphic of an asterisk or starburst shape.

    Lindy & Rudy Slucker Center for Women NCJW/ESSEX

    Workshop Presenter | Transitioning To Your Next Chapter: 10 Tips To Managing Your Next Steps

  • Gold asterisk symbol on a black background.

    American Mental Health Counselors Association

    Panel Speaker | Anti-Racist Supervision Practices: Upending The Way Things Used To Be

  • A black background with a yellow asterisk-like symbol in the center.

    Women’s Wellness Day: Self Care is Not Selfish, It’s Self Preservation

    Keynote Speaker and Session Leader | Programs for Parents & Table Talk

  • Black background with a yellow asterisk-like graphic in the center.

    The Fit Girl Inside: The Balance Between Fitness & Nutrition

    FB Live for Fierce Women United

  • Yellow asterisk symbol on a black background.

    City of Philadelphia: Department of Behavioral Health Services and Intellectual Disabilities

    Trainings for Advanced Practicum Supervisors. Fostering Inclusive Practices: Supporting BIPOC LGBTQAII+ Supervisees and Individuals in Clinical Psychotherapy. Advancing Cultural Competence: Decolonized Care Approaches for BIPOC LGBTQAI+ Communities

  • Black silhouette of a person with outstretched arms and legs, standing on a starburst design with a yellow asterisk in the center.

    Union Square Practice, New York, NY.

    The Power of Group: Unpacking Group Dynamics in the Therapy Room & Beyond.

  • A drawing of a black circle with a yellow starburst shape in the center.

    City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disability Services., Philadelphia, PA.

    Radical Supervision: Empowering BIPOC LGBTQAI+ Clients and Supervisees.

  • Illustration of a yellow asterisk symbol on a black background.

    Her Power, Her Path Women’s Empowerment Conference, New York, NY.

    Stop Shoulding on Yourself: Break Free, Get Unstuck, and Embrace Your Full Authentic Self.

  • Gold asterisk symbol on black background with white text 'You got this!' above it.

    212NYC (2025, New York’s City Digital Advertising Community

    We Are Not Okay: Navigating Mental Health, Identity, and Resilience in Challenging Times, Discussion Panel

  • Gold starburst graphic on black background.

    Northside Center, New York, NY

    High Impact Crisis Intervention Tools to Tackle Resistance & Elevate Care.

  • Gold asterisk symbol on a black background.

    The New York Times

    Bold Moves: Living Life on Your Own Terms.

Raise your hand if you’re tired of forcing yourself into negativity overload! 🙋🏽‍♀️🚫

MIC DROP MOMENTS

Mama…Your ‘shoulds’ are restricting your daughter’s ability to live an authentic life.

THE FAKE VERSION OF YOU IS EXHAUSTING ✨ Struggling with showing up authentically? I get it.

Elevate Your Experience: From Virtual Vibes to Live Learning //

Elevate Your Experience: From Virtual Vibes to Live Learning //

Looking to make your next event unforgettable?

Then you need a speaker who can light up the room with their energy and expertise.