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Hello, my name is Melissa Ifill...
I am a social worker with 20+ years working with young adults and families. Over the years I have developed a real passion for working with young women of color who do not have the best relationships or are feeling like they are not getting what they want in life.
Other people describe these young women as difficult and quite often their friendships and partnerships are falling apart. They have a difficult time keeping positive connections with others consistently in their lives. They often have a feeling of wanting something different but have a difficult time knowing what that something is. |
People often write them off as being “crazy,” or “difficult” but I see something more.
I see the hurt that comes with being misunderstood and not being able to explain to others who you are and why you “show up” the way that you do.
I believe that your life should be developed by your vision and your voice should be used to affirm who you are and help you create what you need.
But I know it’s difficult to know what you want and/or how to achieve it when you feel that you have already done everything right in your life and despite your best efforts things are not okay....or even if you feel like you can't do anything right in your life.
I want you to know that you do not have to allow the things that come the most natural to you right now be the thing that comes the most naturally to you forever. You get to choose something different and if you are willing to put in the work it can look different. What you feel is impossible right now will one day be natural for you.
I see the hurt that comes with being misunderstood and not being able to explain to others who you are and why you “show up” the way that you do.
I believe that your life should be developed by your vision and your voice should be used to affirm who you are and help you create what you need.
But I know it’s difficult to know what you want and/or how to achieve it when you feel that you have already done everything right in your life and despite your best efforts things are not okay....or even if you feel like you can't do anything right in your life.
I want you to know that you do not have to allow the things that come the most natural to you right now be the thing that comes the most naturally to you forever. You get to choose something different and if you are willing to put in the work it can look different. What you feel is impossible right now will one day be natural for you.
Who I Love Working With...Adolescents with high risk behaviors
Young women with emotional challenges Young people in transition Parent support and education |
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Schools I Attended...MSW Syracuse University; Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies; Graduate Certificate in Child Welfare; Whitney Young Fellow; Princeton University Fellow; BA Public Policy Syracuse University
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