Melissa joined CHRIS 180 in 2018, serving as a therapist to youth and young adults at our drop-in center and at Summit Trail Apartments, our permanent supportive housing community.

Several years later, she moved to our School-Based Mental Health program as a manager, before being promoted to program director in 2023. Bauman-Fletcher was promoted to her current role as Vice President in 2024.

Melissa is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Idaho and a Master of Family Therapy from Mercer University’s School of Medicine.

With over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, Melissa has demonstrated her adaptability and versatility by providing therapy services in diverse settings. These include schools, private practices, integrative community-based clinics and youth detention facilities. Before joining CHRIS 180, she honed her skills and knowledge by working with various nonprofits focused on financial literacy, equity and access to social services in rural communities in the State of Washington.

In addition to her professional work, Melissa is dedicated to developing the next generation of therapists and serves as the Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Outside of work, she is an avid football fan, enjoys DIY and crafting projects and loves traveling with her spouse and two dogs.