Melodie Yarber-Rhodes is a career therapist and counselor. She has been an educator and counselor for over 17 years. Melodie has worked with students from all ages and from all walks of life.

During her tenure as the Mental Health Coordinator & Facilitator for the Mindful Schools Program  (Polk County Public Schools) she helped to promote mental health awareness and led a campaign to increase student involvement in improving their mental health.  Melodie also became a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) instructor. Through the YMHFA program, she teaches principals, counselors, and other school staff to recognize the symptoms of distressed students to get them the help they desperately need.

Mrs. Yarber-Rhodes attended The Florida State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and then went on to earn her Master of Arts degree in community counseling.  She has had extensive training in Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Grief Therapy.