My name is Melanie Hanson. I grew up in Washington, DC, and moved to Vermont in 2008 to pursue my undergraduate degree at The University of Vermont. I studied social work, psychology and art as an undergraduate, and after graduating began my work in human services. I worked in the substance abuse field for years, supporting individuals in different stages of addiction to opioids and recovery. I was drawn to the substance abuse field due to growing up in a household impacted significantly by addiction. In 2015 I began my MSW degree at the University of Vermont and graduated in 2017. Two years later, I moved to Boston and began working as a therapist for young adults experiencing housing instability, many of whom were also struggling with addiction. In 2021, my husband and I moved to Asheville NC where I began working at a residential treatment center for young adults with co occurring disorders. I started as an individual therapist and then became a family therapist. I had my first child in December 2023, so left my position to focus on parenting and adjusting to this majorly transitional life event. I am excited to get back into working after taking a couple of months off! For fun, I absolutely love drawing and creating, deep conversation and playful fun with friends, walking in nature, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my husband, our daughter, and our Golden Doodle.