Dr. Melissa Carman’s professional journey is a testament to the power of organic growth, intentional alignment, and community connection. A native of Ithaca and a graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Carman returned to Central New York after earning her master’s degree in North Carolina and completing her doctorate in counseling from Syracuse University. Over the past two decades, her work has evolved naturally, rooted in the values she instills in her clients: acceptance of what is, accountability for blind spots and choices, and alignment with a greater purpose.

Dr. Carman began her career in a small private practice in Fayetteville, providing one-on-one therapy and collaborating with local school counselors, physicians, teachers, and families. From the start, she operated with the philosophy that mental health doesn’t exist in isolation but is profoundly influenced by the systems in which people live. This collaborative, systems-focused approach laid the foundation for what would later become CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC.

At the time, Dr. Carman had no intention of expanding her practice into a group setting. She valued the autonomy of solo work and found fulfillment in her connections with the community. Her first employee wasn’t even a counselor but the nanny who cared for her three young children, who stepped in to make sure that every person who called looking for counseling got a call back, and either an appointment or a referral to another resource that would best fit their needs. Over time, this trusted figure transitioned into an operations manager, reflecting the deeply personal and relational nature of Dr. Carman’s work.

In 2019, Dr. Carman began supervising a counselor who needed hours to complete licensure—a favor to a friend that would ultimately change the trajectory of her career. While she initially hesitated at the idea of supervising others, Dr. Carman quickly realized the impact she could have by mentoring counselors and expanding access to mental health care. The following year, during the height of the pandemic, she and her supervisee adapted to unprecedented challenges, continuing to meet with clients safely in person while supporting their community through a time of heightened need.

Around the same time, Dr. Carman and her husband blended their families, moving into a home in Manlius with their six children. This personal milestone mirrored the growth of her professional life: both required flexibility, intentionality, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. During a trip to a college visit with her eldest stepson, Dr. Carman noticed a "For Sale By Owner" sign on a historic building in the Village of Manlius. The building, formerly the First Schoolhouse and home to the Ben and Ben Law Firm, sparked a vision for something greater.

Recognizing the potential to expand her newfound love for supervision and deepen her impact on the community, Dr. Carman reached out to the owners, Stu and Sheila Ben. Although there were multiple offers on the property, the Bens chose to sell to Dr. Carman, drawn by her passion for creating a space that would serve the community (letter attached). This marked the beginning of the Jennings House Wellness Center, named as an homage to her parents. Now a prominent navy-blue building with white window boxes brimming with flowers, it stands proudly in the heart of Manlius. The space became a symbol of hope, collaboration, and tradition, often welcoming spectators during local parades and celebrations.