Melissa Zimmerman lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her 16-year-old child, Taylor, and her husband. She is a dedicated family advocate in her community. She was previously involved with the Department of Child Safety (DCS). She was able to successfully navigate the child welfare system and behavioral health systems. She was successfully reunited with her daughter. She advocates for the parents that she works with to be their voice in advocating for their families. She also advocates for parents and foster parents to have a shared parenting relationship while their children are in care.
Today, Melissa has 10 years sobriety and is currently a clinician for Terros Health and continues to work with the Families F.I.R.S.T (Families In Recovery Succeeding Together) program helping families reunite with their children. Her knowledge is crucial in helping individuals and families navigate the complicated public health and child protective system in Arizona. Melissa currently holds a master’s degree in criminal justice, and her Master of Social Work degree. Melissa is currently an LMSW in Arizona. She is a Certified Peer Support that includes Forensic Peer Support as well. She is a part of the Parent Advisory Collaborative for Arizona, Birth Foster Parent Partnership (BFPP), the Birth Parent National Network (BPNN) and the National Parent Advisory Council FRIENDS. Melissa seeks to empower parents to have a voice to advocate for themselves, their families and to be responsible for their successes.
