Melanie Davis

I am a master's-level social worker and behavioral health professional with extensive experience supporting justice-involved youth and families facing behavioral, trauma-related, and family court challenges. I have supported a private attorney in family court and custody cases through case preparation, documentation review, and legal paperwork management. My background has strengthened my skills in assessment, crisis intervention, case analysis, communication, and complex problem-solving—highly transferable strengths that support effective outcomes across behavioral health, legal, and family service settings.

In addition to direct service, I bring a strong focus on staff development and training. I have worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to build their confidence and capacity in working with youth and their families, particularly in high-stress and crisis situations. I provide guidance, practical strategies, and coaching that equip staff to respond effectively to behavioral challenges, apply trauma-informed approaches, and create supportive and structured environments.

I am committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning where staff feel supported, capable, and empowered—ultimately enhancing the quality of care and improving outcomes for the children and families we serve.

Juvenile Detention Specialist - Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility

• Provide direct supervision, care, and structured support to justice-involved and at-risk juvenile youth in a secure detention environment, focusing on safety, structure, and emotional stabilization.
• Work directly with youth experiencing trauma, emotional dysregulation, aggression, and behavioral challenges, helping them de-escalate and regain control during crisis situations.
• Use crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies to safely manage behavioral incidents while maintaining a calm, supportive environment.
• Observe youth behavior and complete ongoing risk and behavioral assessments to guide interventions and support safety planning.
• Apply trauma-informed care and cognitive-behavioral approaches in daily interactions to support emotional regulation and decision-making.
• Support youth in practicing pro-social behavior, communication skills, and accountability within a structured setting.
• Work closely with staff to share strategies, model effective youth engagement techniques, and help strengthen confidence in responding to behavioral challenges, ultimately empowering them to better support youth.
• Maintain clear documentation of incidents and behaviors to ensure safety, consistency, and compliance within the facility.

Legal Case Support Specialist - Attorney at Law- Kenneth Stovall

(2023)

• Provide administrative, case preparation, and documentation support for family court and custody matters requiring detailed record review and organization.
• Assist with case preparation, legal documentation, records management, and court-related paperwork.
• Review, organize, and summarize case materials to support custody, parenting time, and family court proceedings.
• Maintain confidentiality while managing sensitive client information and legal records.
• Coordinate documentation and case files to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
• Utilize strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills to support complex legal matters.

Special Education Specialist (Volunteer) - Flagship Charter Academy - Detroit, MI

(2025 - 2025)

• Supported school staff working with students who had behavioral, emotional, and learning challenges.
• Assisted in reinforcing classroom structure, expectations, and behavioral supports to improve student engagement.
• Helped staff implement strategies that strengthened their ability to support and respond effectively to student needs in the classroom.

Special Education Supervisor – Secondary - Royal Oak Public Schools - Royal Oak, MI

(2023 - 2024)

Provided leadership supporting staff working with students who had significant emotional and behavioral needs, with a strong focus on professional development and staff empowerment.

• Developed and delivered professional development sessions on behavioral intervention, crisis response, and evidence-based youth support strategies.
• Coached staff through modeling, feedback, and guidance to build confidence and strengthen their ability to effectively support students.
• Worked with leadership to identify staff development needs and create systems that better supported staff in working with challenging student behaviors.
• Oversaw IEP development and implementation to ensure appropriate supports were in place for students.
• Collaborated with families and service providers to support coordinated planning for student success.

Middle School Social Worker - Royal Oak Public Schools - Royal Oak, MI

(2021-09 - 2023-06)

• Worked directly with at-risk youth experiencing emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges.
• Provided individual and group support focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, and behavior management.
• Conducted behavioral assessments to help guide intervention strategies.
• Collaborated with school staff to support students in crisis and help staff respond more effectively to behavioral needs in real time.
• Supported families in accessing community resources to promote stability and long-term success.

Therapist

(2018 - 2021)

• Provided individual and group therapy using cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed approaches.
• Supported clients in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and healthier behavior patterns.
• Completed assessments and developed individualized treatment plans.
• Facilitated structured therapeutic groups focused on skill-building and emotional growth.

Social Worker - Maternal and Infant Health Program - Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo, MI

(2007 - 2017)

• Supported families facing complex social and behavioral challenges through case management and education.
• Connected families with resources and services to support stability.
• Provided coaching and guidance around parenting, structure, and family functioning.
• Facilitated Parenting Classes

Special Education Behavioral Specialist - Grand Rapids Public Schools - Grand Rapids, MI

(2004 - 2017)

• Supported students with significant behavioral and emotional needs through structured interventions.
• Helped implement behavior support strategies focused on regulation and consistency.
• Worked with staff to strengthen classroom structure and improve responses to student behavior.

Juvenile Surveillance Officer - Kent County Juvenile Detention - Grand Rapids, MI

(2001 - 2004)

• Supervised court-involved youth and ensured compliance with court-ordered expectations.
• Provided structure, supervision, and behavioral monitoring in home and community settings.
• Coordinated with schools, courts, and agencies to support youth accountability and progress.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Special Education Leadership - Grand Valley State University

School Social Work Certificate (310) - School Social Work - Wayne State University

Master of Social Work (MSW) - Social Work - Andrews University

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Social Work - Western Michigan University