Like Texas Health Resources’ clinical employees, Michelle Meli, LCSW, is using her skills to care for those who are feeling pain from COVID-19. Meli, an Employee Assistance Program clinician, spends her days caring for the caregivers and other employees at Texas Health, providing support, guidance and resources.

Learn more about Michelle, in her words:

What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose your career?  

As a teenager, I met the victim advocate who worked at the local police department. I learned about how she supported individuals in crisis and helped people find resources. From this experience, I knew I wanted to do the same. After graduating with my degree in social work, I began working as a victim advocate, offering emotional support, victims’ rights information and court accompaniment support during trial. This work led me to my current role at Texas Health Resources’ Employee Assistance Program, where I provide counseling to employees and their dependents.

What does a typical workday look like? 

My typical day consists of providing counseling services and crisis support, and locating resources for employees.

What’s your favorite part of your job, and what is the biggest challenge?

Being able to watch my clients discover their own insights, understand and transform their life, and create lasting changes to achieve their goals inspires and motivates me. It is an honor to be part of my clients’ journey toward healing, and while it’s a challenging process, I love how it’s also creative, fun and rewarding.