Holistic Health Counseling

"I am constantly finding myself being amazed with Melissa. She is non-judgmental, supportive, caring,
encouraging, compassionate, open minded, and full of knowledge. So many times she has been my support rock. I have had the most pleasurable experience of working with her as both her client, and as her web designer. She has supported me in some emotionally difficult times such as stress when I was in school, relationships, diet, finances, and business. She has always listened intently and has provided me with sound advice. I am unable to think of suitable words to express the thanks and deep appreciation I have for her and how she impacted my life."

- Aleja Estronza, Web Designer, 2006
  www.signaturedesignz.com

Counseling with Melissa was so much more than what I'd expected.  I started out thinking I was just going to be coached through a diet, but she helped with many other aspects of my life.  She really took the time to get to know me and respected my values.  We worked on my self-image and I have learned to be kinder and more accepting to myself.  She helped me to develop a budget that was livable, ultimately leading to less stress in my life.  We worked on how I deal with personal relationships as well.  I am so much more aware of my needs and how to express them to those in my life.  I also lost about 20 pounds during our six months of sessions and have still maintained that weight loss.  I miss my telephone meetings with Melissa, but it's still very helpful to get her weekly newsletters. I would recommend her services to anyone!  She is very balanced in her approach."

- Kasey, Virginia, 2006

Melissa changed my life.  Better yet, she guided me to a place where I could make changes in my life.  I thought by going to Melissa I would get a few dieting tips, some new recipes to try at home, maybe lose 2 or 3 pounds, and walk away feeling pretty good about myself.  What I received from my sessions with Melissa was so much more!  Melissa went to the root of my "troubles" and concerns, she lead me to a place where I could let go, forgive, and be more proactive about my dreams.  I remember her saying, "I don't want to see you miss out on following your dreams."  She also helped me find ways to incorporate healthy eating into my renewed daily NYC life.  Since Melissa, I have been dancing and performing more than ever and feeling much more positive about my life and career.  I sought out Melissa to lose five pounds yet, in the end, I wound up gaining so much more than anticipated.  I have filled my life with so much meaningful matter that craving healthy foods has come naturally and I desire them in order to support my lifestyle.  My achieved weight loss ended up being just an added bonus.

Charlotte, Dancer, NYC 2006

I am so grateful to have worked with Melissa this last year. She is supportive, kind and nonjudgmental. Over the course of the year I have rediscovered who I am and what my dreams are. I have become healthier physically and emotionally, am in a positive relationship and am working towards my dream career. I have never been the type of person to ask for help or support but with Melissa it came very easily. I would not have made it this far so quickly without Melissa's support and encouragement. I recommend her to everyone I know. 

Michelle H., NYC 2006

Within the past few months I have made huge lifestyle changes. I take time to listen to what my body needs. My cravings for artificial sweeteners and processed foods have diminished. I cook with all whole foods and feel stronger, more alert, vibrant, and healthy. I have a renewed passion for life and sense of well-being. I am overcoming my eating disorder, exploring my spirituality, and discovering new possibilities for a gratifying career path. I treasure our relationship. Thank you so much for your support.

Elyse, Dancer, NYC 2005

I can’t believe that it has been 2 years since I first contacted you. It seems like I have known you so much longer.  You have made a huge difference in my life. I constantly re-run our sessions in my head when I am struggling with my well being. You have made a lasting impact on the way in which I live my life. For that, I THANK YOU.

Tami, Audiologist, NYC, 2005

This past autumn I began to feel fatigued and I was gaining weight at an alarming rate. I saw Melissa's picture and statement on the bulletin board at Broadway Dance Center and began to work with her. She saw that I was not feeling well, so, along with her nutritional guidance, she helped me find a physician who was able to diagnose my problem as a cardiovascular one. This successful diagnosis led to heart surgery which not only saved my life, but also will allow me to continue dancing as soon as I recover (which will be shortly). Throughout this period Melissa has helped me improve my eating habits, worked in collaboration with my doctor, helped me keep my spirits up, and encouraged me to define myself and my goals. Her manner is always gentle and delicate and my condition on all levels steadily improves, especially after our sessions together.

Marcia, NYC, 2005

I now read ingredients and shop for organic and more natural foods. With your help and encouragement I have been able to stop two prescriptions, I am losing inches and pounds, and my body feels healthy and firm. I’ll be 61 soon and I feel like I am 30. Thank you so much for helping me to feel better and be wiser about the choices I am now making.

Ruth, Homemaker, OH, 2004

When I started working with Melissa I was sure she couldn't tell me anything I didn't already know.  Wow, was I wrong.  Her guidance on diet and nutrition has literally changed the way I eat, feel and live.  Her compassion, knowledge and enthusiasm are what propel me to look forward to our meetings.

Allison Ellner, CEO/Director of Broadway Dance Center, NYC, 2004

Melissa is simply wonderful.  She listens.  I mean, she REALLY listens, and her eyes are kind and warm and you feel NO judgment coming from her, regardless of what you reveal about yourself. She has helped me spiritually; she has guided me to find an inner peace. She calls and checks up on me, and she asks about my life. She loves her work, she is truly invested in the people she helps, and she DOES help. She gently offers straightforward advice or suggestions without judgment.  She makes things seem CLEAR to me, for me, one step at a time.

Tracey, Actress, NYC, 2003

Cooking Classes

Thank you for sharing you home, knowledge, great recipes, and warm friends. There's something very intimate about creating and sharing a meal with others. It was interesting to learn about your holistic health background and cook with new ingredients. I look forward to taking more classes with you.

Heather, 2007

I truly enjoyed the cooking class. It was more than I expected. I met some really interesting people, and Melissa was a great instructor, patient and very informative. Not to mention the dish we made (salmon burgers, quinoa,and our very own salad dressing) were all so easy to make and very tasty and satisfying. I look forward to taking another class soon.

Valerie-Saun Alerte

I am a really inexperienced cook and was worried that I would hold the class back or be left behind. But Melissa helped to create a warm team-spirit atmosphere that put me at ease and allowed me to dive in with everyone else. Our meal was fantastic, and I look forward to cooking it on my own-a big step forward for me!

Pam, NYC, 2004

I signed up for Melissa’s class to get a crash course for a dinner party that I hosted for friends who are vegetarian.  Not only did the course teach me everything I needed to know to put a delicious, nutritious and vegetarian meal on the table but I had a great time “cooking with strangers” who quickly became friends. 

Katie, NYC, 2004

I enjoyed your veggie burger class.  I made the entire menu last week with great success.  The veggie burgers were fantastic.  The fact that I made the meal again is a contrast with my previous experiences, where I paid $100, made a small portion of a huge, specialized meal for 20 people to share and never looked at the recipes again.

Charlie, NYC, 2004

The experience far surpassed any expectations we had. Not only did we make a delicious meal, we met a new group of people and Melissa. Melissa is great! She has a warm and inviting spirit that makes you feel welcome and comfortable right away. Her class was interactive and fun. I know that our group shares the same feeling as Jack and I, as we sat down at the dinner table to dine together. Thank you Melissa...I'm not cooking alone anymore!

Grace, NYC, 2005

I truly enjoyed the cooking class. It was more than I expected. I met some really interesting people, and Melissa was a great instructor, patient and very informative. Not to mention the dish we made (salmon burgers, quinoa, and our very own salad dressing) were all so easy to make and very tasty and satisfying. I look forward to taking another class soon.

VSA, NYC, 2005

Workshops

Thank you for a wonderful workshop!  Your commitment and sweetness of energy made it a particularly rewarding evening, and we all need to be reminded, frequently, of the massive forces out there which constantly make us feel like we're not perfect enough.

Felicia, NYC, 2004

Thanks for hosting the event.  It was a great time and so refreshing to see that there are other beautiful women that are going through a similar situation.  Even just seeing the people that came made me feel better.  Thanks for providing an invaluable service to women.

Kerrie, NYC, 2004