Melissa Gorgon Clark
Portland
Summary
Child & Family Therapist with a strong track record in effective communication and problem-solving. Expertise in providing transition support and crisis intervention, enhancing client well-being through tailored therapeutic approaches. Proven collaborative leadership skills in multidisciplinary settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Child & Family Therapist
Trillium Family Services
Portland
10.2022 - Current
- Developed personalized treatment plans in collaboration with families and caregivers.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote peer support and communication skills.
- Provided crisis intervention using evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
- Documented client progress and therapy outcomes in electronic health records.
- Engaged with community resources to enhance client support services.
- Educated families on mental health issues and coping strategies during sessions.
- Assessed client needs through structured interviews and observation methods.
- Provided psychoeducation about mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms.
Co-Founder & Executive Director
KASI Institute
Portland
04.2015 - Current
- Established KASI Institute to support poverty prevention and promote economic justice.
- Providing transition resources for gender minorities facing life-changing events.
- Focused on social entrepreneurship to create sustainable community impact.
Office Coordinator
Portland State University Portland OR
Portland
11.2018 - 10.2022
- Coordinated office operations at Services for Students with Children resource center to support faculty and administrative staff.
- Managed all administrative functions to ensure efficiency across department.
- Developed and oversaw childcare scholarship and emergency loan programs for students in need.
- Created online service delivery systems during COVID, distributing food staples and essential supplies.
- Hired, scheduled, and supervised student employees and interns to enhance workforce productivity.
- Planned events and programs to strengthen community engagement.
Counseling Center Intern
National University of Natural Medicine
Portland
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Delivered direct counseling services to students at NUNM.
- Managed caseload of 10 students for individual and couples counseling.
- Utilized DBT, CBT, ACT, EMDR, and somatic interventions to treat trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Student Support Specialist, MSW Intern
Portland State University, SSWC
Portland
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Guided students with children through academic and personal challenges.
- Developed resources addressing diverse student populations and their needs.
- Coordinated workshops to strengthen student engagement and support services.
- Facilitated effective communication between students and university faculty.
Education
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon, OR06-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Portland State University
Portland, OR03-2018
Certificate - Global Studies
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon, OR03-2018
Skills
- effective communication
- problem solving
- transition support
- group facilitation
- crisis intervention
- evidence-based therapy
- team collaboration
Timeline
Child & Family Therapist
Trillium Family Services
10.2022 - Current
Counseling Center Intern
National University of Natural Medicine
09.2021 - 06.2022
Student Support Specialist, MSW Intern
Portland State University, SSWC
05.2020 - 09.2021
Office Coordinator
Portland State University Portland OR
11.2018 - 10.2022
Co-Founder & Executive Director
KASI Institute
04.2015 - Current
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Portland State University
Certificate - Global Studies
Portland State University