Melinda Heller Nellos

Melinda Heller Nellos - Professional Clinical Counselor

Melinda Heller Nellos is an independently licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She received her M.A. Degree in Counseling Education from the University of New Mexico in 2004. Melinda holds a Level II Clinical Trauma Professional Certification from the International Association of Trauma Professionals. Melinda also completed a three-year certification program from the Child Trauma Academy based on the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, with Dr. Bruce Perry. Melinda has been employed the past 15 years in the behavioral health field. In this time, she has held positions as Clinical Counselor, Supervisor, Program Director, Clinical Director of Treatment Foster Care, Day Treatment, CCSS, Behavioral Management Services and Clinical Director of Residential Care. She was also the Executive Director of a 63-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility for children and adolescents for five years.

Melinda has expertise in providing evidenced-based, outcome-driven behavioral health services to New Mexico’s most vulnerable children and their families. Melinda has worked with many different populations of children, ages 3-21, including those with neurodevelopmental impairments, ID/DD, autism, and severe emotional disturbances. Melinda is play therapy trained, including Sand Tray, Filial, Story-play, Multicultural Play and Play Therapy for Trauma. Melinda specializes in attachment, child development, communication and the etiology of neurobiology of severe emotional disturbances. She is committed to continuing to provide best practices for the children and families of New Mexico.