About Us

Melissa C. Parnell, Ph.D. has 20 years of experience working with children, adults, and families. She has extensive training and experience in the evaluation and treatment of trauma, dementia, school problems, behavioral difficulties, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, relationships, and mental health. Dr. Parnell's Christian faith influences her understanding of individuals, relationships, and families, and she approaches each case with developmental understanding and individual sensitivity. She is currently offering individual and family therapy sessions.

Dr. Parnell has specialized training in the area of developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, trauma, and traumatic brain injury. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist with the Brain Injury Association of America, is nationally certified as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals, is a Certified Dementia Care Specialist, and is an affiliated trainer with the NTG for Dementia Capable Care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilties. Dr. Parnell previously served on the steering committee for the NTG, and she has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a therapeutic modality.

Dr. Parnell currently holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Univerity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master's Degree in School Psychology from East Carolina University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is credentialed as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and she is licensed in the state of North Carolina as a Licensed Psychologist, Health Services Provider.

To contact her directly, please email drparnell@parnellpsych.com

Melissa Penley, MAC, MAHS is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Prior to pursuing a career in mental health, Ms. Penley's professional experiences included the banking industry and education. While working in schools, Ms. Penley discovered a love for listening and being present with the kids in her classroom, leading her to pursue her counseling dream. She recently graduated from Pentecostal Theological Seminary with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and she earned her Master's Degree in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in crisis response and trauma from Liberty University in 2019. Ms. Penley has served a wide variety of clients aging from 3 years to senior adulthood. She employs various therapeutic techniques including cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, play, expressive arts, and psychoeducation to help individuals and families achieve their personal goals. Ms. Penley integrates spirituality into the therapeutic process upon request.

To contact her directly, please email mpenley@parnellpsych.com.