Melissa L. Bennett is a descendant of the Umatilla, Nez Perce, Sac & Fox, and Anishinaabe (Citizen Potawatomi and Odawa) Nations. She also has ancestors from Norway and the British Isles. Melissa serves both individuals and communities as a spiritual advisor, healer, and mentor rooted in the Indigenous spiritualities of her Columbia Plateau and Anishinaabe relatives. She utilizes ancestral connection, mediumship, guided and trance meditation, tarot, storytelling and storylistening, writing, visual art, altar building, plant and stone medicine, mindfulness practice, ritual, and ceremony in her work with clients. Melissa has learned (and continues to learn) from Indigenous elders and teachers representing many nations including Ojibwe, Sicangu Lakota, Chehalis, Winnemem Wintu, Shoshone-Bannock, and Cherokee as well as from European animists.

In addition to traditional Indigenous knowledge Melissa holds a Master of Divinity degree, a graduate certificate in pastoral care and counseling, a graduate certificate in theological studies, and a certificate in clinical pastoral education. Melissa has been serving as an intuitive spiritual guide for over thirty years and as a spiritual care provider in higher education, tribal behavioral health, forensic mental health, and community organizations for more than a decade. Melissa is a neurodivergent, transracial adoptee who struggles with chronic health issues and empathizes with others of shared identities. She approaches spiritual care from a healing justice perspective and accesses the unseen realms to empower clients toward the discovery of their own spiritual autonomy, authority, and power.

Melissa's work with clients is not about "fixing" or "saving" anyone, nor does she claim to have all the answers — instead she offers support, accompaniment, resources, deep listening, and a soft place to land as clients find their way toward a life of deep meaning and belonging. Accessibility is essential to her. For this reason, all of her appointments are conducted virtually, making her available to people from around the world.

Melissa’s Writing:

Oregon Humanities - Creation Stories

Oregon Humanities - Séma

Exposition Review - River of Stars

La Palabra Summer Poetry - Virtual Reading

Melissa’s Social Media:

Instagram: @lostbirdtarot

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