Hi! I’m Mel, and I serve as the DEIB Coordinator at Sage Therapy. My journey into diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work really began through my advocacy for more diverse and inclusive medical education. What started as a desire to see more perspectives, identities, and lived experiences represented in education grew into a much bigger passion for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and like they genuinely belong.

Over the past five years, that passion has grown into DEIB work across different professional, organizational, and community spaces. I’ve had the opportunity to support initiatives focused on representation, education, access, and inclusive practices. Each of those experiences has shaped how I approach this work today and reinforced something I strongly believe: DEIB isn’t just about what we say we value; it’s about how those values show up in our everyday practices, decisions, and relationships.

At Sage, I get to wear a few different hats! Alongside my work as a therapist, I support our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), connect with new team members during onboarding, collaborate with leadership and staff on inclusive workplace practices, and help us think intentionally about how equity and belonging can be woven into our policies, culture, and everyday therapeutic practices. I also help gather feedback and look for opportunities to turn what we’re hearing from our team and clients into meaningful action.

Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with my family and friends, trying a new restaurant, traveling, or finding an excuse to turn something into a celebration. I love connecting with people, learning about their experiences, and building community—which, conveniently, are also some of my favorite parts of the work I get to do at Sage!