Dr. Mel Tavares
Wife. Mom to Seven. Grandma to Ten. Author. Teacher.
Survivor of Tempestuous Storms of Life.
I love the beach, gardening, the firepit in the backyard, camping, reading, writing, and hanging out with family and friends over a cup of coffee. I also love going to dinner with my hubby.
My Background is Diverse and Extensive
A Covergence of Passions
40 Years a Therapist/Counselor
45 Years a Writer
Whether working as a horticultural therapist, mental health counselor, program director, case manager, women's ministry leader, youth leader, writing books and articles, or any number of meetings over a cup of coffee-the common denominator is counseling. In 2019, I defended my dissertation on 'Today's Youth Culture' and earned
my Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling. I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
I have always loved writing as a means of communicating encouragement and truth to people. In middle school, I started a school newspaper and haven't looked back. I've written technical material, newspaper/journalist pieces, and freelance content; now I write as a Christian communicator via books, magazines, online websites, and training curriculum.
33 Years of Ministry
I've served across the spectrum of local church ministry, always entailing elements of domestic and international missions. Included is over 20 years teaching children and teens in Sunday School, VBS, Five Day Clubs, Day Camps, Youth Groups, at retreats, and more. I currently serve on staff at my church, wearing multiple hats.
Current
*DMin, Pastoral Care and Counseling
*American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
*International Christian Coaching Association (ICCA)
*Advanced Writers & Speakers Association (AWSA)
*Board Certified Mental Health Coach-International Board of Christian Care and the AACC.
*QPR Trained Gatekeeper, Suicide Prevention
*Certified Motivational Interviewer
*Certified Money School Coach, also "Your Money, Your Goals" Financial Literacy
*Expertise in setting SMART Goals
Back in the Day
*Retired, Registered Master Horticultural Therapist (HTRM), Director of Maine's first two programs
*Former New England Board Member, American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA)
*American Sign Language Interpreter, trained at Baxter School for the Deaf
*State of Maine MHRT II (Mental Health), Med. Certified
*Trained across the disability spectrum, Northeast ADA trainer, SSDI navigator
*State of Maine Dept. of Education, Transition Service Coordinator Upper Maine Counties
*State of Maine National Award-Winning Tar Wars Coordinator for American Academy of Family Physicians
