Dr. MC is one of the newest recipients of Salem State University’s 40 Under 40 Award!

Now in its second year, the recognition celebrates SSU alums who positively contribute to their professions and communities.

Salem State University offered Theresa a first glimpse into higher education. Her mom, Anna Maria, pursued her teaching degree while working as a school secretary. As a high school, Theresa often accompanied her to courses and campus events.

Dr. MC graduated with her master’s of education (M.Ed.) in school counseling from Salem State University’s Graduate McKeown School of Education summa cum laude in 2011. Her academic studies focused on developmental psychology and trauma-sensitive education – topics she further delved into in her doctoral dissertation and covers today at the Self-Care Cabaret.

At SSU, Dr. MC also began to see the connections between mental wellness and healthy relationship-building with students. She found her work as a licensed school counselor for students with emotional, psychiatric, and learning support needs rewarding. However, these experiences also necessitated deepening her self-care practice. Dr. MC became interested in how to share this knowledge with educators and other helping professionals.

“This award reminds me of how far I’ve come and all I’ve yet to do to support helping professionals,” shares Dr. Melito-Conners about the 40 Under 40 Award. “It’s amazing to share this award with Vikings doing incredible work. Thank you, Salem State!”

Read Dr. MC’s 40 Under 40 profile.