Melissa Kirkpatrick, MSW, CSOTP Trainee, is a dedicated Social Worker currently serving as a Military Behavioral Health Social Worker at the Center for Deployment Psychology. There, she supports a joint project with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) to enhance training and support for U.S. Armed Forces Personnel engaged in victim advocacy and sexual assault prevention efforts.

Melissa holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and has completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in International Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Melissa currently holds a provisional license as a  Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (Trainee) and provides outpatient therapeutic services using evidence-based approaches with perpetrators of sexual offenses.

With 16 years of experience, Melissa has honed her skills across a variety of clinical and non- clinical roles. Her work in child abuse investigations, medical social work, outpatient therapy, staff training, program oversight, victim advocacy, and sexual assault prevention has equipped her to deliver culturally competent and evidence-based training to support trauma-informed care for survivors. 

Melissa’s leadership includes roles as Director of Community Response at the House of Ruth, Maryland, Social Services Supervisor, and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for Naval Support Activity Washington, where she developed policies, managed budgets, and trained social workers and victim advocates at the local, state, and federal levels. Outside of work, Melissa is committed to her family, church, and community outreach, driving awareness and positive change for survivors of trauma and abuse. She is also passionate about continuing her professional development and contributing to social work through training, research, and advocacy.