Melissa Shiplett-Jupe, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, PMH-C

Assistant Professor of Counseling
Director of MAC Program
Moye Hall, Room 314
210-431-4061
mshiplett-jup@ollusa.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Professional Bio

Born and raised in "Chuco Town" (El Paso, Texas), with deep family roots in Ciudad Juárez, I take immense pride in being the first in my family to graduate from college. Over the past 18 years, I have built a meaningful career in mental health services, growing from a mental health caseworker to a Child Protective Services investigator. Today, I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist specializing in trauma and the owner of a thriving full-time private practice.

Areas of Expertise

As a clinical mental health counselor, my areas of focus include the intersection of mental health and reproductive health, LGBTGEQIAP+ mental health, and perinatal/postpartum mental health of all birthing people. These areas are often the focus in my research, as well. As a counselor educator and supervisor, I am committed to preparing counselors to engage in culturally responsive and ethically grounded practice. You'll often find me teaching foundational skills, ethics, clinical diagnosis, theories, and multicultural counseling. My approaches from the counseling room to classroom give particular attention to dismantling power dynamics, understanding the systems clients or students operate in, and paths for advocacy.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a collaborative, reflective learning environment where students are encouraged to critically engage with course material, develop self-awareness, and translate theory into practice. Grounded in heutagogical and constructivist approaches, I seek to enhance students' critical thinking abilities for the practical application of counseling skills as they enter the profession after graduation. I prioritize inclusivity, experiential learning, and the intentional development of professional identity.

Outside Interests

Outside of the university, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially receiving heart-shaped rocks from my sons. Gardening is an important activity, where I've learned that plants, much like people, thrive with patience and the right support. Art also plays a large part in my spare time, and I've recently picked back up ceramics, where I'm happily relearning that not every piece comes out as intended, but that's part of the charm!