• Melanie Matson Headshot
    DIRECTOR AND SURVIVOR ADVOCATE/COUNSELOR

    My experiencing and witnessing systemic inequities drive my commitment to anti-oppression and liberation work. I believe in the transformative power of communities coming together in the service of work that holds space with one another, reduces harm, creates material change, and fosters individual and collective liberation for people on the margins. I have been an advocate and prevention educator for over 15 years. I enjoy exploring, learning, reading, being in nature, walking with my dog Truman, and facilitating trauma-informed yoga. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together” (Aboriginal Activists Group, Queensland, 1970’s).

  • Headshot of Ariel Kuo
    Graduate Assistant

    Ariel Kuo is an accomplished designer, marketer, podcast director, and animator. 

    Ariel works to promote Healing & Advocacy by designing posters, social media posts, videos, and more. Her creativity inspires the arts and crafts component of the Healing Workshop series for healing through creative expression. Ariel enjoys welcoming people to the space, so feel free to stop by to say hello!

    In addition to working and studying, she travels throughout the country meeting new friends in order to gain new inspiration and inspire others.

    Ariel is from Taiwan and presently resides in Boston. She enjoys painting on canvas and reading books in her free time.

  • Truman Headshot
    The Friendly Beagle

    Truman is the friendly beagle with Healing & Advocacy.

    • Birthday: May 8, 2015
    • Likes: visiting with people, long walks, naps in the sun, sniffing for rabbits, and peanut butter treats.
    • Truman and Melanie are a certified therapy dog team.
    • “Dogs: It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them” (John Grogan, author of Marley & Me)
    • Instagram: @trumantales