Melissa Holcombe headshot

Melissa Holcombe

DSW, LCSW

Senior Advisor, Childfree Trust

Melissa Holcombe brings years of insight and an extensive background in guardianship and probate to Childfree Insights.

Her experience includes conducting competency assessments for adult guardianship petitions for Probate courts and serving guardianship clients through Adult Protective Services. This practical, in-the-field experience provides her with a distinctive ability to navigate complex legal and emotional dynamics for individuals.

For three decades, Melissa has distinguished herself through dedicated advocacy and exemplary work in social services. Following a decade of leadership as a child welfare case manager and supervisor, she spent 20 years in the public school system. During her tenure, she served as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and Foster Care Point of Contact, specializing in support for vulnerable student populations.

Additionally, Melissa is one of the nation’s first Certified Veterinary Social Workers (VSW), having earned her certification while completing her doctorate at the University of Tennessee in 2014. She provides compassionate counseling to those grieving the loss of a companion animal and seminars on compassion fatigue within the animal services community. She also shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor of undergraduate level social work.

In her free time, Melissa enjoys camping, hiking, and kayaking with her dog, Darcy.

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Podcast

Podcast

Insights Straight to Your Inbox

Tips, freebies, event invites, and more to make your Childfree life even more amazing

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Episode 119: Life First, Then Finances

Why should life planning take precedence over financial planning — especially for those who are Childfree?

Episode 118: New Year Planning

2025 is here — make it your best year yet!

Episode 117: Behind the Pages: Writing “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money”

Episode 117: Writing the Childfree Guide

Dr. Jay talks about what it’s like to create a book that speaks directly to the heart of the Childfree community.

Episode 116: Money Goals, FIRE Dreams, and Screenless Sundays

Episode 116: Money Goals & FIRE

What if you could crush $300K in debt, build a $1M net worth, and still have time for joy and balance?