Melissa Helm, Faculty

Melissa Helm is a mental health advocate and non-profit executive director leveraging her own lived experience to shift a historically deficit-driven mental health conversation to a positive, strengths-based approach that celebrates an individual's inherent worth and unique values.

Born and raised in Glens Falls, NY, Melissa studied Communications and Sociology at the State University of New York at Brockport, where she navigated her own mental health journey and became acutely aware of the stigma and access barriers surrounding mental health care. In 2015, she relocated to New York City, where she began her career with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's national headquarters.

In 2018 Melissa relocated to Berkshire County to begin a position with Wellness Concepts, a corporate wellness company where she would integrate mental health programming into their business portfolio before moving on to Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. At Kripalu Melissa successfully led Business Development for Kripalu's Signature Stress Resilience Program, RISE; and spearheaded the development and launch of Kripalu's Well-Being at Work business line.

In 2021 she stepped into her current position as Executive Director for NAMI Berkshire County where she serves as a supportive advocate for anyone affected by mental health in the Berkshires. Through this role she continues to bring mental health and suicide out of the shadows - and is at the forefront of broadening the base of support in the Berkshires; leading support groups, educational programs and professional trainings.

Melissa is a student of Positive Psychology which she utilizes as a driving force for her heart-centered, compassionate work. She is also a dog mom, partner, and travel bug who loves exploring and experiencing all that life has to offer.