Melinda McMichael
Chicago,IL
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated certified peer recovery specialist and doula with a strong commitment to empowering individuals facing diverse challenges such as substance use disorder, domestic violence, DCFS involvement, trauma histories, and legal issues. Skilled in providing empathetic guidance, active listening, and practical support to help clients achieve their personal goals, maintain sobriety, and foster meaningful, purposeful lives. Passionate about fostering a safe and supportive environment that encourages growth, resilience, and positive change.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Peer Doula Supervisor
Haymarket Center
Chicago, IL
11.2024 - Current
- Supported clients through prenatal education, labor coaching, and postpartum care.
- Facilitated communication between healthcare providers and families to ensure comprehensive support.
- Developed personalized birth plans aligning with client preferences and medical guidance.
- Provided continuous emotional and physical support during labor, fostering a calming environment.
- Mentored new doulas on best practices in client interaction and support techniques.
- Advocated for client rights within healthcare settings, ensuring respectful treatment and informed choices.
- Supported families in making informed decisions about childbirth options by sharing evidence-based information on various topics related to pregnancy and birth.
- Facilitated patient referrals to specialists for advanced pre- or post-natal care.
- Developed and maintained patient records and documentation.
- Assisted with postpartum care and provided guidance on postpartum recovery.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor
Haymarket Center
Chicago, IL
11.2023 - Current
- Facilitates a 8 week curriculum for peer interns on various topics pertinent to their role as a peer worker on the milieu.
- Supported peers in navigating social services systems to ensure access to necessary resources for successful recovery.
- Assisted peers in achieving their personal goals by providing continuous emotional support and resources.
- Connect peers to ongoing training opportunities to stay current with industry trends and enhance professional expertise as a Peer Recovery Specialist.
- Enhanced peer recovery by developing and implementing individualized peer support plans.
- Connected peers with community resources and services, fostering a strong support network for sustained recovery.
- Maintain a safe space for open dialogue among peers, encouraging shared experiences and mutual support during group sessions.
- Empowered peers by teaching effective communication skills, self-advocacy techniques, professionalism, and coping strategies.
- Conducted regular check-ins with peers, monitoring progress and addressing any barriers to recovery.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist/Certified Doula
Haymarket Center
Chicago, IL
05.2019 - Current
- Provide family centered treatment services to pregnant or postpartum women and their family members
- Provide supportive individualized communication with each client regarding their recovery process, Provide case management services and link clients to outside resources.
- Assisted clients in preparing for labor and delivery through tailored birth plan consultations and childbirth education classes.
- Strengthened community ties by collaborating with local organizations to offer workshops on prenatal wellness topics such as nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, and baby-wearing safety tips.
- Empowered new parents by offering expert guidance on breastfeeding initiation, infant care, and bonding practices.
- Enhanced prenatal and postpartum care by providing evidence-based information, emotional support, and physical comfort measures.
- Provided compassionate care for high-risk pregnancies or traumatic birth experiences through specialized training in bereavement doula support services.
- Improved family dynamics by fostering open communication between partners during pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum phases.
- Educated expectant families on the benefits of various childbirth methods, empowering them to make informed decisions about their birth experience.
- Facilitated successful transitions into parenthood by offering practical advice on newborn routines, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones.
- Promoted maternal well-being through comprehensive postpartum care plans that included mental health support resources and self-care strategies.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure seamless communication and coordinated care throughout the birthing process.
- Assisted in 30 deliveries of pregnancies in substance use environment.
Education
Associate Of Applied Science - Human Services
Purdue Global University
West Lafayette, IN12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Purdue Global University
West Lafayette, IN11-2027
Skills
- Self-Care Techniques
- Relapse Prevention
- Knowledgeable about substance use
- Motivational Interviewing
- Recovery planning
- Empathy Development
- Boundary Setting
- Client Relationship Building
- Documentation abilities
- Decision-Making
- Emotional Support
- Mental Health Support
- Conflict Resolution
- Care Planning
- Interpersonal Communication
- Documentation And Reporting
- Crisis Intervention
- Patient Advocacy
- Client Needs Assessment
- Positive patient experiences
- Individual Counseling
- Group facilitation
- Case management proficiency
- Referral Coordination
- Trauma Informed Approach
- Diversity and Inclusion
Certification
Illinois Medicaid- Certified Doula through SIU School of Medicine (2025)
Gender Competency Endorsement Certification from Illinois Certification Board (2025)
Certified Postpartum Doula, DONA International, 2023
Certified Trauma Support Specialist, Arizona Institute, 03/01/2022
Certified Birth Doula, DONA International, 03/01/2022
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Illinois Certification Board, 09/01/2021
Graduate (Valedictorian), Salt & Light Coalition one-year job training program, 12/31/2019
Timeline
Certified Peer Doula Supervisor
Haymarket Center
11.2024 - Current
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor
Haymarket Center
11.2023 - Current
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist/Certified Doula
Haymarket Center
05.2019 - Current
Associate Of Applied Science - Human Services
Purdue Global University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Purdue Global University