Melissa MacNish Nishman

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MELISSA MACNISH NISHMAN

Melissa is deeply committed to creating safe spaces for trans, non-binary and queer youth to develop healthy identities. She has been involved with the GBPFLAG parents of transgender/gender non-conforming children support group since its inception in 2009. She is also on the founding Board of Directors and Assistant Director for Harbor Camp’s Camp Aranu’tiq, summer camp programming for transgender and gender variant youth and their families. Melissa strongly believes in supporting and increasing clinicians’ competency in working with transgender and non-binary identities and is involved with Maebright’s therapy training series.For the past decade, Melissa has had the privilege of supporting many families through the process of understanding a family member’s gender identity and expression and has helped both families and individuals navigate the complex issues that often arise as a result of a gender transition or non-binary gender presentation. She also has extensive experience aiding couples of all identities in improving their communication, reestablishing connections and strengthening their relationship. When facilitating groups, she is awed by the power of group process to build community, offer support, and allow for growth and healing.