By T. Faye Griffin, Writer
Recently I attended a diversity event held by the Writers Guild of America. To be frank, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I learned that the featured guest was a marriage family therapist. But before it was all said and done, Melissa Shepherd had expertly facilitated an engrossing discussion that challenged, motivated and inspired all in attendance. Knowledgeable and caring, Ms. Shepherd’s special blend of wit and wisdom completely engages and fosters self-examination and growth. I highly recommend her.
By Jacqui Ponce, Community Liaison, City of Santa Clarita
Melissa’s workshop is like being in the most comfortable place in which you express with an open mind your feelings, your thoughts. You know that everything is in an open and safe environment. Melissa’s personality makes you feel like she’s part of your family. 
By Dr. Carolyne Krall-Catron,  KC-CAMFT, Programs Director at Large
The Kern County Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists would like to thank you for your outstanding presentation of “Cross-Cultural Diversity: Client as Expert”. It was great having you as a guest presenter. Thank you for your hard work. It was well received and very much appreciated. Certainly, we’ll stay in touch!. 
By Diana Nava, Massage Therapist, Rueda de Casino Dance Instructor
After taking one of Melissa’s work shops, I was able to reconnect and release some old blockages and move forward in my life and business.  Melissa is very creative and gentle in her approach.  She creates a soothing environment which allowed me to open up with ease.  I think what I got most out of the work shop is the ability to be more accepting of myself, others and allow myself to feel without judgment. 
By Heather Hall,  Marriage Family Therapist
Melissa is a warm, caring individual who really takes the time to get to know her clients so that she can provide the best service possible to them. She is very understanding and nonjudgmental and I recommend her highly.
By Jessica Barrett, Marriage Family Therapist
Melissa is a wise, gentle and creative spirit. It has been a true pleasure working as professional colleague. She has the highest integrity of anyone I’ve met in a long time. She is well educated , well prepared and a resourceful clinician. Her knowledge of different cultural backgrounds is extensive.There are a rare few in the field to whom I would readily refer. She is most definitely one without exception. Call her and see for yourself! 
By Tania Rosello, Marriage Family Therapist
I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa Shepherd in 2007. We were colleagues together at Child and Family Center, where she served as Family Preservation Coordinator. I was immediately drawn in by her calming presence, optimistic attitude and amazing insights into the issues our clients facing. She was well respected by our fellow colleagues and supervisors and the positive changes her clients were able to make in their lives, were a testament to her excellent clinical skills, and her innate ability to connect deeply with people.
As a presenter, Melissa is creative, dynamic and focused on the strengths and unique talents each person possesses. I was a participant in her workshop on Multicultural Issues at Child and Family Center, a workshop that was designed specifically to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the therapists and case managers at the agency. I was truly impressed by Melissa’s presentation and a couple of years later, I contracted her to present to the staff at the agency I was working for at the time on this same topic. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as she engaged with the audience through music, videos, and a variety of creative activities that encouraged open dialogue and discussion among the participants. Her unconditional acceptance and strengths-focused approach created an environment conducive to learning, to acceptance and to self-discovery. The staff were then able to take this learning and weave into the work with their own clients. Her work is truly powerful.  Melissa is a true gift to this profession! 
By Paul-Jahi Christopher Price
Living Deliciously is wonderful --- and well thought-through. It is practical, and loaded with real life experiences. Melissa Shepherd provides excellent examples, sensible assessments and important solutions. Life is delicious! It is delicious when we discover the recipes of life, e.g., the road map to our success (& solutions to our problems). Finding our way is part of life’s journey. Melissa Shepherd guides us through our personal voyage, bringing us face-to-face with everyday situations, realistic decisions and promising conclusions.