There is space here for your questions,
your feelings,
and your love for your transgender child.
Who I am…
Hi — I’m Melissa. I grew up in New Hampshire and now call Vermont’s Green Mountains home. I bring a science-backed, compassionate approach to coaching and support: I earned a biology degree with minors in psychology and chemistry, and I’ve spent much of my career in healthcare administration, most recently at a mental healthcare facility. That background gives me a solid understanding of both the biological and behavioral sides of parenting.
I’m an experienced parent of a transgender child and a certified Positive Parenting coach. I focus on practical, respectful strategies that help families build connection, reduce power struggles, and support children’s emotional development. My coaching blends evidence-based techniques with real‑world empathy so you can feel confident, calm, and effective as a parent.
I love taking walks (always up hill in Vermont!), getting lost in a good book, and soaking up live music. I live with my youngest son and our stubbornly affectionate cat, Ralphie. I’d be honored to support your family’s journey.
Why I’m here…
I’m a mom who has walked a path many parents never expect—and one that can feel confusing, overwhelming, and deeply emotional at times. My son is transgender, and supporting him has been one of the most important, challenging, and ultimately meaningful journeys of my life.
When my child first shared who he is, I had questions. I worried. I didn’t always understand. Like many parents, I wanted to do the right thing, but I didn’t know what that looked like yet. Over time, through listening, learning, and sometimes getting it wrong, I grew into a place of greater understanding, acceptance, and advocacy.
I created this space for parents who may be where I once was—trying to make sense of new information, facing fears about the future, or simply wanting to better support their child but not knowing where to begin.
What I offer is lived experience, honesty, and compassion. I share resources, reflections, and practical insights that helped me along the way, in the hope that they might help you too.
You don’t have to have all the answers right now. You just have to be willing to keep showing up for your child—and for yourself.
If you’re here, you’re already taking a meaningful step.
Schedule a time with us…
Book your appointment and take the first step with confidence. I am here for you.
Available meeting times:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (can be flexible if meeting times within this time frame are not ideal.)
What to expect in your appointment:
Quick Info Session (20 minutes) to answer questions and outline options.
Deep-dive Consultation (60 minutes) for personalized planning and next steps.
Intensive
How to book:
Choose a service from our Services page. Once payment is received, you will get an email with a link to a calendar.
Once you pick a day and time, I will send you a form so I can understand what you are looking for before we meet.
Contact Us…
Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you shortly.
melissa@thrivewithprideparents.org
PO Box 139 Putney, VT 05346
IG: @thrivewithprideparents