My name is Melissa Hulshof and I am the Program Coordinator for Applewood Academy. One of my primary roles is being the primary contact for our Applewood students’ parents and working with them to help understand each of the team’s roles and overseeing everyone to ensure all of your child’s treatment needs are met during their time with us. I work closely with the Clinical Director, Program Supervisor and the Principal of Applewood to accomplish these pieces. Together we communicate, develop and implement a well rounded treatment plan to effectively meet each of our youth’s needs.
I graduated from University of Guelph many years ago with a degree specializing in Family & Child Studies and continued my studies in Peterborough digging in to even more child development work and practical hands-on placements in a variety of settings. After my graduations, my husband and I backpacked across Europe. During our travels, I received a call from a friend who informed me of a great opportunity working with a company located in Belleville whose Mission matched my passion of working with youth in need and I joined the team in 2001. Since then, I have held many roles within Stevenson Waplak & Associates, Quinte Children’s Homes and Applewood Academy (parent/therapist, front-line in home and school settings, supervisor, TCI trainer to name a few) and continue to work daily with an exceptional team who I’m proud to lead on a daily basis. Together we are creating safe environments for our youth to become the best versions of themselves.
In 2010, with our ‘big’ boys off in the world, we returned to our roots in Southern Georgian Bay area. We have always loved the country; embracing the outdoor lifestyle whenever possible and with family in the area and 3 small humans it made sense. My husband, three children and I live in a quiet area outside of town with nothing but nature and wildlife around us – we love to explore the area every chance we get. Our ‘big’ boys placed with us through QCHs parent/therapy program in 2001 still come home whenever they can to visit and continue to be a part of our family in every way.
Though I may not be the face that greets you at the front door upon arrival, I’m just a phone call away, always happy to lend an ear to listen and provide support while also celebrating with you the exceptional accomplishments made by your child, the youth in our care.