Melissa (Williamson) Buhler graduated from Elk County Christian High School in 2000. After High School, Melissa pursued a degree in Child Development and Family Relations with a minor in Sociology. She continued her education, earning her master’s degree in Social Services and obtaining her professional license in Clinical Social Work and national certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. She has been certified to utilize the evidence-based Parent Child Interactive Therapy intervention. Melissa works for Cenclear Services as a Program Director for our Community and School-Based Behavioral Health Programs across several counties.
In her career, Melissa provides supervision and licensing opportunities to growing professionals. She works with interns from several colleges to promote the mental health field and engage more professionals in our local, rural communities. Three years ago, Melissa started her own private practice, Complete Connections, LLC, to continue to provide clinical work for children, adults, families, and couples. She specializes in trauma, bereavement, and working with a wide range of mental health diagnoses. “The mental health needs that our children face should be a top priority with all the changing times and pressures our children today grow up with, said Melissa.”
Melissa grew up in St. Marys and resides in Kersey with her husband and two children, Ayla and Landyn, who attend Elk County Catholic School System. “I loved my Catholic Education and am honored to be able to provide my children with the same values and academics I grew up with. During my tenure at ECC, two influential people were Mr. John Schneider and Mr. Mike Buchheit. Mr. Schneider always took the time to check in and allowed me to grow and work on a team. I participated in the work-study program with him during my summers in high school (I still remember him making us clean with a comet; to this day, I still cannot use it, lol). He also provided me with the opportunity to work for him at Benzinger Park during my summers home from college. He worked around my schedule and helped me realize that hard work does pay off, said Melissa.”
“Math was not always my strong suit, but Mr. Buchheit was always patient and gave me a second chance and encouragement when needed. Mr. Buchheit helped us start a business and always took the time to ask about my kids and their accomplishments. I could shout out to many more of the amazing staff at ECC, but now I get the joy of seeing many of them still loyal and dedicated to providing my kids with the same love and support I had. It’s amazing that many of us graduates are still so close and that teachers from years ago always stop to say hi when you see them out at Church, the ECCHS Family Picnic, or sporting events, said Melissa.”
