Melissa Child, PhD, LMSW
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.
Commitment to First Responders
Melissa has dedicated her career to providing therapy for first responders and their families, helping them navigate the immense pressures of frontline work. Her approach supports managing stress, trauma, and emotional demands, while also addressing the needs of first responders’ families, who face unique challenges.
With three years of personal experience as a first responder in the EMS field, she has a deep understanding of the sacrifices and challenges faced by first responders. This experience informs her therapeutic work, ensuring it is empathetic, supportive, and highly relevant to the realities of their lives.
Service to the Veteran Community
For over 16 years, Melissa has worked with veterans and active-duty military personnel through therapeutic riding programs, providing a space for healing and connection. In the past six years, she expanded her services to include equine-assisted psychotherapy, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where veterans can process their experiences.
Having been a military partner, she brings personal insight into the challenges faced by veterans and their families, making her therapeutic approach compassionate, personalized, and respectful of their unique needs.
Lana Tadlock, LCSW
*Lana is not accepting new clients at this time.
Lana works as a clinical supervisor for the VA Alexandria VAMC in Pineville, LA. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Northwest Nazarene University in 2008 and completed her practicum at the VA Medical Center in Boise.
Lana has experience working with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, SPMI, personality disorders, suicide ideation, autism, PTSD, developmental disorders, educational and learning disabilities, aging issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, and many other conditions. She uses various treatment modalities to meet each client’s unique needs, including CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, reality therapy, motivational interviewing, and addressing death and dying issues.
Her clinical background includes adult mental health, medical social work, inpatient and outpatient treatment, substance use issues, geriatric and aging, crisis intervention, justice and corrections, and children and family services. She has worked with both voluntary and involuntary clients.
As a clinical supervisor, Lana strives to remain judgment-free and empathetic, creating a safe, welcoming space to help clients and supervisees reach their goals. Life can be challenging, and everyone needs support along their journey. Change is not as daunting when you have a guide.
When she’s not working, Lana enjoys spending time with her family doing outdoor activities near the river or lake, including paddleboarding, fishing, boating, skiing, and snowmobiling. For self-care, she loves being the first one up, enjoying a cup of coffee on her porch in the mountains, listening to nature.