MELISSA ALEXANDER
I have always been fit and active and enjoyed participation in many sports. My initial career choices were always working with people and helping improve their quality of life. I studied A Level Social Care and took voluntary and work placements in the community working with children able and disabled. I decided not to attend University as I felt too young and inexperienced to qualify at the age of 21 in Social Care. I spent over two years working with the elderly in a day centre.
In 1987 I followed my love of Horticulture and spent over seven years working at Torbay Council Parks Department. I served a three year apprenticeship on day release at Bicton College, added a further year in Conservation and Management. I then progressed to managerial duties and undertook my NVQ4 and Certificate in Management Studies.
By 1994 I was drawn back to working with people and had the post of Assistant Manager in a day centre for clients with Mental Health problems. It was a challenging and interesting position where I gained an enormous amount of understanding and respect of Mental Illness. I studied Counselling Skills with relate and still find I use them daily. This day centre requested that I learn and use study Aromatherapy with the clients. I studied at South Devon College and fell instantly in love with the discipline. Combining the plant essences and my horticultural knowledge (love of Latin names!) inspired me to acquire the full Diploma. I followed up with Reflexology and Indian Head massage Diplomas. Luckily I had an amazing, inspirational and supportive Lecturer that guided me through Holistic Therapies and teaching.
I had my son Scot in 1998 and during the pregnancy I set up Body & Sole. I also continued to study and add further qualifications. I Lectured at South Devon College from 1998 and gained full teacher status with my PGCE. I undertook my Foundation Degree in GP Referral and Exercise Science at South Devon 2006-8 and topped up to full BSc Hons Sports Therapy at UCP Marjon in 2009. I achieved First Class Honours and now Lecture for UCP Marjon in Sports Therapy. Most training was local, however I spent many hours and miles travelling across the UK to increase my knowledge and skills, and maintain my Continued Professional Development.
I take great pride in what I have undertaken and learnt and still have training modules to study and complete. I believe I have great understanding of life's traumas: physical, psychological and emotional. All my previous work and experience has culminated in what I am and how I work today. It enabled creating Body & Soles aims and objectives. I love to help people feel better about and within themselves, drawing upon all the skills and knowledge I have.
In the summer of 2012 I had the honour of being chosen as a medical volunteer for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics games and I got to utilise my skills treating amazing athletes from around the world. I also voluntereered to do Sports Massage at the Commonwealth games, Glasgow 2014 and again had the pleasure of treating international athletes.
Melissa is available at Body and Sole during normal clinic opening hours.
