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

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

Episode 70: Childfree Estate Planning

We make a compelling case for why estate planning is essential, even for Childfree people.

Episode 69: Researching the Childfree Community

​​The research on the Childfree population is lacking — so we’re doing it ourselves.

Episode 68: Rebekah & Matt Planning Session 1

Episode 68: Rebekah & Matt Planning Session

A behind-the-scenes look at a real financial planning session with Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®.

Episode 67: The Gap and the Gain (Book Club)

Episode 67: The Gap and the Gain

Discover how "The Gap and the Gain" challenges conventional thinking about success and happiness.