EDUCATION
Ph.D. Clinical Child & School Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, CAN, 1997
M.A. Developmental Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, CAN, 1993
B.A. Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, CAN, 1992

EXPERIENCE
2008-2009 Adjunct Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
• lecturing re: gestational, infant, toddler, child, and adolescent development with an emphasis on the brain and nervous system

2005- Author, Lecturer, and Consultant
• writing, lecturing, and consulting re: current neuroscientific research, its educational implications, and its influence on the development of trauma healing approaches

2002- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
• private practice psychotherapeutic work as trauma healing specialist
• somatic experiencing (SE)/self-regulation therapy (SRT) with children,
adolescents, and adults
• consultation/psychoeducation with educators & parents of children of all ages

1997-2005 School Psychologist, Long Beach Unified School District
• psychoeducational assessment of children & adolescents
• individual & group counseling re: bereavement, divorce, incarceration, anger
• collaboration with mental health re: suicide assessment, emotional disturbance
• participation in, and leadership of, multidisciplinary team meetings, i.e., SST, IEP
• development & facilitation of emotional disturbance (ED) task force (1997-1999)
• consultation with teachers and parents
• leadership in professional development including training of LBUSD personnel
• special assignments: ED coordinator (2001-2002) & ED consultant (2003-2004)

2000-2001 Mental Health Coordinator, Long Beach Unified School District
• coordination of collaboration between L.A. County Department of Mental Health (DMH) and LBUSD
• development of service delivery model, operational agreements, memorandums of understanding, collaboration protocol, all procedure including referral & crisis intervention processes, district documentation including referral, consent & accountability feedback forms
• facilitation and mediation of working relationships between mental health service providers and educational staff as well as between DMH and LBUSD directors

PROFESSIONAL TALKS & PRESENTATIONS
“Succeeding with Angry Students…and Those Who Just Don’t Care,” a series of full-day seminars for K-12 teachers seeking professional development, Birmingham, AL; Baton Rouge, LA; Jackson, MI; Cincinatti, Columbus, Cleveland, OH; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, VA; Houston, TX; Sacramento, CA; and, Portland, OR, 2010.

“The Effects of Stress & Trauma on the Developing Brain,” a paper presentation for the California Association of Educators of Young Children, Long Beach, CA, 2010.

“Strategies to Address the Effects of Childhood Stress & Trauma on Learning & Behavior,” a half-day seminar for the staff of the Head Start Institute, Long Beach, CA, 2010.

“Stress, Trauma, & the Brain: How to Assess, Designate, & Serve,” a half-day seminar for the California Association of School Psychologists, Santa Clara, CA, 2010.

“Why Students Underachieve: A Neuroscientific Perspective,” a guest lecture for graduate students in the educational psychology department at McGill University, Montreal, QC, 2010.

“Intervening with the Effects of Stress & Trauma: The Important Role of Resource Teachers,” a full-day follow-up workshop for K-12 resource teachers at the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB), Dorval, QC, 2010.

“Understanding Classroom Behavior in the Context of Stress & Trauma: What Teachers Can Do to Reach their Students,” a keynote address & workshop for K-12 general education teachers at the LBPSB, Pierrefonds, QC, 2010.

“Responding to the Effects of Stress & Trauma on Learning & Behavior: A Neuroscientific Perspective,” a full-day seminar for school board administrators & educators from across the province of Quebec, Montreal, QC, 2010.

“You Can Heal Your Child,” a book launch for the school psychology staff of the Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA, 2010.

“Engaging the Disengaged Student,” a series of full-day seminars for K-12 teachers seeking professional development, Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, MO; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Detroit, MI; San Diego, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX; Dallas, TX, 2009.

“Hope and Healing for Families in Crisis,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a keynote address for the staff of the Head Start Institute, Long Beach, CA, 2009.

“In the Aftermath of Trauma: A Guide for School Nurses,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the National Association of School Nurses, Boston, MA, 2009.

“Sensory Awareness for Student Achievement: Why It’s Time for Something New,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a full-day training for administrators and support staff at Klein Independent School District, Houston, TX, 2009.

“How Stress Affects People in the Workplace,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a half-day workshop for administrators of the Fontana Unified School District (FUSD), Fontana, CA, 2009.

“Why Kids Disengage…And What You Can Do about It!” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a full-day training for teachers seeking professional development, Chicago, IL, 2009.

“The Brain 101: Neuroscientific Support for the Waldorf Approach to Education,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a parent symposium for parents and educators at Maple Village School, Long Beach, CA, 2009.

“For Future School Psychologists: What to Expect from Planet Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for school psychology students at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), CA, 2009.

“What Kids (and the Rest of Us) Need to Get through Tough Times,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a parent symposium for parents and educators at Cottage Co-Op Nursery School, Pasadena, CA, 2009.

“Trauma and the Brain: How to Assess, Designate, and Serve,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the California Association of School Psychologists, Riverside, CA, 2009.

“Brain Development: The Effects of Trauma on Learning and Behavior,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for students of Adolescent Development in the Department of Educational Psychology, CSULB, CA, 2009.

“Learning and the Brain: The Effects of Trauma in Schools,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for students of Child Development in the Department of Educational Psychology, CSULB, CA, 2009.

“On Doing What I Do: A Brief Discussion on Professional Development,” R. Melrose, Ph.D. & others including B. Gamble, Ph.D., a panel discussion for the student psychology club, at CSULB, CA, 2008.

“Why Students Underachieve: Trauma’s Impact on Education,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for student teachers at CSULB, CA, 2008.

“Understanding and Intervening with Acting-Out Behaviors: A Psychophysiological Approach,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a half-day workshop for paraprofessionals, educational aides and techniciens of the Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB), Lachine, QUE, CANADA, 2008.

“Response to Trauma: A Guide for Educators,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a full-day workshop for K-11 resource teachers and elementary administrators of the LBPSB, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QUE, CANADA, 2008.

“The Biological Necessity of Optimism: Resources for Resiliency and Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a presentation for teachers, paraprofessionals, and educational techniciens at the LBPSB, Dorval, QUE, CANADA, 2008.

“Safer Students in Today’s World: What Educators Can Do to Increase Achievement in the Midst of Student Strife,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a half-day workshop for high school administrators of the LBPSB at Chateau Bromont, Eastern Townships, QUE, CANADA, 2008.

“Why Students Underachieve: What Educators Can Do about It,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a presentation for educators and parents at Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School, Cornwall, ONT, CANADA, 2008.

“Life After Sexual Abuse: Community Education, Prevention, Healing, and Renewal,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a presentation for the citizens of the city of Cornwall at St. Lawrence College sponsored by the Advisory Panel/Phase 2 of the Cornwall Public Inquiry, St. Lawrence College, and PrevAction, Cornwall, ONT, CANADA, 2008.

“The Important Role of School Nurses in the Aftermath of Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a half-day workshop for the West Virginia School Nurses Organization, Charleston, WV, 2008.

“Safer Students in Today’s World: What Educators Can Do to Increase Achievement in the Aftermath of Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a half-day workshop for educational administrators at Kanahwa County School Board, Charleston, WV, 2008.

“The Important Role Of Teachers in the Aftermath of Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for student teachers at CSULB, Long Beach, CA, 2008.

“Why Students Underachieve: Trauma’s Impact on Education,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for student teachers at CSULB, Long Beach, CA, 2008.

“Teaching on Planet Trauma: What Educators Can Do in the Midst of Student Strife to Increase Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a full-day training for the educational staff of V. Primrose Elementary School, FUSD, Fontana, CA, 2008.

“Teaching on Planet Trauma: What Educators Can Do in the Midst of Student Strife to Increase Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a full-day training for the educational staff of North Tamarind Elementary School (K-6), FUSD, Fontana, CA, 2008.

“What Every Parent of a Young Child Needs to Know: Why You are No Exception,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a parent symposium for the parents and teachers of the Cottage Co-Op Nursery hosted by Waverly School, Pasadena, CA, 2008.

“The Biological Necessity of Resources: What Educators Can Do in the Aftermath of Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for graduate students in Educational Psychology at CSULB, Long Beach, CA, 2008.

“Crisis Intervention in Schools,” J. McBride, Ph.D. & R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for School Psychology, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapy students at CSULB, CA, 2008.

“Teaching in the Aftermath of Trauma: Increase Self-Regulation, Increase Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the California Association for the Education of Young Children, Long Beach, CA, 2008.

“The Psychophysiology of Trauma: The Need for a Somatic Approach,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a clinical rounds discussion for the Child, Youth, and Family Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ONT, CANADA, 2008.

“In the Aftermath of Trauma: A Guide for Educators,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a presentation for teachers and administrators at the Toronto District School Board, Toronto, ONT, CANADA, 2008.

“Trauma, Learning, and the Brain: How to Assess, Designate, and Serve,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a presentation for graduate students and faculty in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at McGill University, Montreal, QUE, CANADA, 2008.

“In the Aftermath of Trauma: A Guide for Educators,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a presentation for teachers, administrators, and student support personnel at the Lester B. Pearson School Board, Dorval, QUE, CANADA, 2008.

“Trauma and the Brain: How to Assess, Designate, and Serve,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a half-day workshop for the California Association of School Psychologists, Burlingame, CA, 2008.

“What Schools Can Do in the Aftermath of Trauma to Promote Healing, Achievement, and Success,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., two full-day trainings for assistant principals, school psychologists, counselors, nurses, and social workers at the Kanahwa County School District, Charleston, WV, 2008.

“Trauma, Learning, and the Brain: The Important Role of School Counselors,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for K-12 School Counselors at Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Long Beach, CA, 2008.

“Trauma and the Brain: What School Nurses Can Do in the Aftermath of Trauma to Promote Children’s Mental Health,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the California School Nurses Organization, San Diego, CA, 2008.

“What Every Parent of a Young Child Needs to Know: Why You are No Exception,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a parent symposium for the Point Loma Pre-School COOP, San Diego, CA, 2008.

“Teaching in Turbulent Times: What Educators Can Do in the Midst of Student Strife to Increase Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Chicago, IL, 2007.

“Why Students Underachieve: What Educators Can Do about It,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for graduate students in (general) education at CSULB, CA, 2007.

“Trauma, the Brain, and the Healing Power of Somatic Therapy,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for interns in psychology, social work, and marriage and family therapy at Family Service of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, 2007.

“Why Students Underachieve: What Educators Can Do about It,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for graduate students in Educational and Counseling Psychology at CSULB, CA, 2007.

“The Biological Necessity of Resources: Trauma, Learning, and the Brain,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for School Psychologists at LBUSD, Long Beach, CA, 2007.

“Teaching in Turbulent Times: What School Nurses Can Do in the Aftermath of Trauma to Promote Children’s Mental Health,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the National Association of School Nurses, Nashville, TN, 2007.

“What Every Parent of a YOUNG Child Needs to Know: Why YOU are No Exception,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a symposium for parents and educators at the Point Loma Assembly, San Diego, CA, 2007.

“Trauma and the Brain: Effective Tools in the Aftermath,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the Western Psychological Association, Vancouver, B.C., CANADA, 2007.

“Teaching in Turbulent Times: Trauma, Learning, and the Brain,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the National Association of School Psychologists, New York City, NY, 2007.

“Teaching in Turbulent Times: What Educators Can Do in the Midst of Student Strife to Increase Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the California Association for the Education of Young Children, San Jose, CA, 2007.

“Teaching in Turbulent Times: Trauma, Learning, and the Brain,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the California Association of School Psychologists, Los Angeles, CA, 2007.

“Why Students Underachieve: What Educators and Parents Can Do about It,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a symposium for teachers and parents at Harborside School, San Diego, CA, 2006.

“Teaching in Turbulent Times: What the Brain Tells Us about Living and Learning on Planet Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the Learning and the Brain Conference sponsored by Harvard University, Harvard Medical Center, and Boston University, Boston, MA, 2006.

“Teaching on Planet Trauma: What Educators Can Do in the Midst of Student Strife to Increase Achievement,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a paper presentation for the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Orlando, FL, 2006.

“Trauma, Learning, and the Brain: What Educators Need to Know,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., a guest lecture for graduate students in Educational and Counseling Psychology, CSULB, 2005.

“Somatic Therapy and the Healing of Trauma,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for the therapeutic staff of Family Service of Long Beach, 2004.

“Response to Trauma: A Guide for School Psychologists,” M. Kline, M.S. & R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for School Psychologists, LBUSD, 2003.

“Crisis Intervention for Schools: Trauma and the Brain,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for the Crisis Response Team, LBUSD, 2003.

“Resourcing: A Somatic Counseling Approach,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for School Psychologists, LBUSD, 2002.

“The Psychophysiology of Trauma: The Need for a Somatic Approach,” R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for the therapeutic staff of Family Service of Long Beach, 2000.

“Understanding and Intervening with Acting-Out Behaviors: A Psychophysiological Approach,” M. Kline, M.S. & R. Melrose, Ph.D., an in-service training for Special Education teachers and paraeducators, LBUSD, 2000.

PUBLICATIONS
Melrose, R. (2009).You Can Heal Your Child: A Guide for Misdiagnosed, Stressed, Traumatized, and Otherwise Misunderstood Children, Bush Street Press, San Francisco, California.

Melrose, R. (2006). Why Students Underachieve: What Educators and Parents Can Do about It, Rowman and Littlefield Education, Lanham, Maryland.

Melrose, R. (2006). Hope and Healing: An Activities Book for Adults Working with School-Aged Children, self-published.

Melrose, R. (2006). Hope and Healing: A Guide for Parents of Traumatized Children, self-published.