Meet Melissa.

Melissa Skarbek, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Forensic Social Worker, brings almost two decades of expertise in social work and child welfare. Her career is distinguished by delivering comprehensive, evidence-based services informed by advanced education. Melissa graduated summa cum laude from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts, focusing on Gender and Women’s Studies, Social Work, Business, Sociology, and Psychology. She later pursued her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Arizona State University, graduating magna cum laude, further solidifying her commitment to academic excellence and professional growth.

Melissa’s professional journey spans diverse roles in child welfare, mental health counseling, and forensic social work. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex needs of individuals and families, including extensive experience in high-conflict custody cases, child welfare investigations, and cross-cultural family dynamics. Her work is characterized by a trauma-informed approach, incorporating expertise in forensic evaluations, crisis management, conflict resolution, and advocacy to foster healing and resolution.

In addition to her clinical work, Melissa serves as Vice Chair of Alaska’s Health and Human Services Committee and is recognized as an expert witness in Alaska’s judicial system. She is a passionate advocate for integrating behavioral health and legal frameworks to ensure the voices of children and vulnerable populations are heard and supported.

Melissa’s dedication to professional development includes advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, custody evaluation, and child forensic interviewing. These achievements position her as a leader in her field, committed to offering innovative and effective solutions to the challenges faced by her clients.

Originally from Indiana, Melissa has embraced Alaska as her home, forging deep ties to the community and her cultural heritage. She thrives on connecting with the tranquility of the wilderness, which inspires her grounded and holistic approach to therapy and forensic social work.