PhD Student
University of Tennessee
Melissa Newman is from St. Petersburg, Florida and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida, St. Pete and her master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida, Tampa. She has experience in community mental health, medical social work, juvenile justice, and spent the majority of her career in school social work. Melissa draws on her experience as a district liaison for Pinellas County Schools in collaboration with Equality Florida and her current research as a PhD student in University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Social Work to inform this workshop. In her role as district liaison, Melissa provided safe and supportive learning environments trainings and district level support for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Most recently, Melissa had a private practice in St. Petersburg, FL focused on working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folx. She is licensed in Florida and Connecticut and holds school social work certifications in both states.
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