Melissa Segal, LCSW, is an experienced facilitator and manager with strong skills in leadership development, strategic planning, program implementation, and organizational culture. As a licensed clinical social worker committed to creating workplaces designed for success for all, her work fully integrates principles of open communication, respectful dialogue, restorative practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She facilitates professional development, coaches leaders and managers, implements culture and well-being programs, and works with teams to improve communication and group dynamics and thus increase productivity and group functioning.

Melissa has launched and managed a number of successful programs and organizations. At Duke Health, she co-led a culture change initiative, built an enterprise-wide peer support program, and integrated restorative justice work. Previously, she co-founded and co-organized a yearly inclusion and power dynamics series, an organization-wide DEI Leadership Council, and “Community Conversations,” an ongoing discussion series designed to foster a positive and inclusive work environment. Melissa also co-founded and then served as president of two national professional associations, helped launch a new academic initiative and a masters program, and assembled a national group of health care restorative justice practitioners.

Education

  • Duke University, Bachelor of Arts
  • University of Pennsylvania, Master of Social Work

Experience

  • Over 25 years providing professional development and training for staff, faculty, trainees, and volunteers
  • Over 25 years supervising professional staff and managing administrative functions
  • Over 15 years working in community non-profits
  • Over 11 years working in academia with faculty, staff, students and postdocs

Background

As an army brat, Melissa quickly learned how to join new groups and create welcoming spaces for all. Her early experiences led her to launch a career in social work, during which she focused on women’s health, family systems, and interpersonal relationships. Since then, she has led teams in a variety of settings, establishing new programs, creating and implementing strategic plans, managing daily operations and human resources, and facilitating trainings. Among other roles, she has served as Executive Director of a non-profit, Senior Business Manager of Duke Neurobiology, and Senior Director of Culture & Well-being for Duke Health.

What Clients Say about InterHuman Solutions

Melissa is so easy to work with and very professional. If you are thinking about hiring her, stop thinking and just go for it. You won’t be disappointed.

– Lori Levine
Faculty Lead for Excellence

Melissa has been a true partner. We have managers asking when they will be able to work with [her] since their colleagues have demonstrated so much growth.

– Ilene Farkas
Human Resources Director

The grief workshop was a deeply comforting and supportive experience, providing practical tools, heartfelt connections, and a safe space to honor loved ones while finding moments of peace and healing.

– Heather Campbell
MTA Ministries

Melissa is a phenomenal speaker and facilitator. She has a natural talent for…making people feel comfortable and safe, and digging into difficult topics, all in a way that facilitates meaningful conversations and personal growth.

– Kathryn Dickerson
Assistant Professor

I call Melissa my “circle hero”…she’s shown me that a well-done circle crafted by someone who is passionate about helping others can help build community and connect us to each other. In this day and age, that is definitely a superhero power!

– Stephanie Robertson
Assistant Dean

Workshop attendees praise her warmth, empathy, knowledge, and respect for different cultures, viewpoints and lived experiences. It’s evident how much thought and preparation go into her workshops, which are tailored for each audience.

– Molly Starback
Director, Postdoctoral Services