Melissa Child, PhD, MSW, LCSW, AAI-S, CTRI, CYT
Clinical Director, Owner, Therapist
About Melissa
Melissa is an experienced psychotherapist who serves clients across backgrounds with a specialty in first responders and veterans. She holds a PhD in General Psychology with a focus on performance psychology and a Master of Social Work. As a certified Animal Assisted Interventions Specialist with additional training in equine work and yoga therapy, she integrates research informed approaches with practical, relationship centered care.
Specialties
- First responders, military and veterans, and their families
- Trauma and posttraumatic stress, moral injury, grief and loss
- Anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout
- Performance, resilience, and emotion regulation
Therapy Approach
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy, somatic and mindfulness based care
- Animal assisted services and equine supported psychotherapy with attention to animal welfare and safety
- CBT and DBT skills, attachment and strengths based interventions
- Collaborative goals with clear tools for daily life
Background and Leadership
- Professor and mentor in psychology, trauma informed care, and animal assisted services
- Research on human animal interaction, mindfulness in pet owners, and equine assisted care for veterans
- Editor, APA Division 17 Section 13 Human Animal Interactions newsletter; active in professional organizations
Care Philosophy
Melissa offers steady, culturally aware support with practical skills for regulation, recovery, and growth. She is committed to the well being of both clients and the animals who support care.
Dallan Ball, MSW, LMSW
Therapist
About Dallan
Dallan is a compassionate therapist who helps individuals, couples, families, and teens navigate stress, trauma, and relationship challenges. Before clinical practice he served as a detention officer and a police department social worker, experience that informs his understanding of the demands on public safety professionals and their families.
Specialties
- First responders, law enforcement, corrections, and families
- Trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation
- Relationship stress, communication, and conflict
- Teens and young adults
Therapy Approach
- CBT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems informed work
- Trauma informed care that validates lived experience
- Skills for grounding, emotion regulation, and resilient communication
- Warm, collaborative style with clear goals and feedback
Care Philosophy
Dallan believes healing happens in a trusting, nonjudgmental relationship. He helps clients turn insight into daily habits that support steadier mood, stronger relationships, and confidence.
Lana Tadlock, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
*Lana is not accepting new clients at this time.
About Lana
Lana is a seasoned clinical social worker and supervisor with extensive experience across adult mental health, medical settings, crisis services, substance use care, aging, justice involved care, and child and family services. She earned her MSW from Northwest Nazarene University and completed her practicum at the VA Medical Center in Boise. She currently serves as a clinical supervisor at the VA Alexandria VAMC in Pineville, Louisiana.
Specialties
- Depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum, personality concerns
- Serious and persistent mental illness
- PTSD, autism and developmental concerns, learning differences
- Grief and loss, chronic illness, suicide risk assessment and safety planning
Therapy Approach
- CBT, DBT, solution focused, reality therapy, motivational interviewing
- Sensitive work with death and dying, and complex systems of care
- Clear, supportive goals tailored to each client’s needs
Care Philosophy
Dana offers an empathetic, judgment free space that supports growth at a sustainable pace. She believes change is easier with a skilled guide and a steady plan.