MELISSA Phillips is one of those people who doesn’t seem to be satisfied with just achieving in one field.

Melissa is a senior psychologist of education for the Snowy Monaro team covering schools from Jindabyne to Queanbeyan.

This in itself is a very challenging role when considering the recent trials like bushfires and COVID-19 experienced.

For the past 18 years, Melissa has been the psychologist for the Thredbo Volunteer Ski Patrol providing support to patrollers and providing training in key aspects wellbeing, mental health and resilience.

The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is another passion for Melissa who serves as the deputy captain of the Wollondibby Brigade – this is a 24 hour on call commitment to assist with fires, motor vehicle accidents and ambulance calls.

As well as holding a Certificate 4-Medic which allows Melissa to assist victims before the ambulance arrives. Melissa is a volunteer critical incident support service/peer support worker with the RFS. This means she can provide support following significant incidents and help to RFS personnel impacted by their role as volunteers.

Melissa is also involved with the Girls on Fire program.

This program involves schools and emergency services in regional towns, introducing young people to disaster management skills.

Melissa believes in lifelong learning and continually working to improve her knowledge and skills to provide the best support for her students, RFS and ski patrol compatriots and members of the public she is called on to help.

In her free time, Melissa is also a marriage celebrant, delivering customised relaxed and modern weddings.