Influential Woman · Individual and Family Services
Melissa Rae Goodwin
BCBA
Clinical Training and Development Director, AARCHIE-AAC
North Hampton, NH 03862
Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Goodwin is the Clinical Training and Development Director and BCBA bringing more than 22 years of experience in applied behavior analysis, special education, and clinical services. Inspired by her autistic cousin, Melissa began her career in Communication Sciences and Disorders before gaining experience in early intervention, sign language, speech therapy, and behavioral programs supporting individuals with complex needs. She later earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Endicott College and became a licensed ABA professional and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Throughout her career, Melissa has focused on compassionate, ethical, and trauma-informed approaches to behavioral care. One of her notable accomplishments was transforming an emotional behavioral program for children affected by trauma and the foster care system, reducing restraints from hundreds per year to zero through a research based holistic and hands-off, trauma-informed model. Her areas of specialization include trauma-informed care, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), equity advocacy, and ABA services for individuals with autism and complex behavioral needs. She also developed the Aarchie app to support accessible communication for nonverbal individuals thus bridging an overdue gap in technology development. In her current role, Melissa develops clinical training programs designed to support newer BCBAs and professionals working with clients who have complex or comorbid needs. Beyond her professional work, she contributes to community initiatives through coaching multiple teams, Girls on the Run, church-based nonprofits, the Zero Project Initiative, and the Good Vibes Surf Club, which promotes beach cleanups and community involvement. Melissa remains committed to advancing accessible, innovative, and person-centered services for individuals with disabilities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
Throughout my career, I have found that true success in care and consultation is not derived solely from academic training or clinical expertise, but from the profound lessons taught by those I serve. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to an open mind, I have learned to view every patient interaction as a collaborative opportunity rather than a routine assessment. My patients have been my greatest educators; they have challenged my assumptions, broadened my perspectives, and deepened my empathy in ways that textbooks never could. It is this humble exchange—listening with intent and valuing the lived experiences of my patients—that has fueled my professional growth and allowed me to provide truly person-centered care. Ultimately, my success is a direct reflection of the wisdom shared by the individuals who have trusted me with their well-being.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you’re looking for the secret to breaking through the plateau, look at the extra mile that everyone else decided was too steep to climb. The best advice I have gotten is keep going. Even when you want to stop, do more.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is to stay grounded in their purpose, seek diverse experiences, and actively support and uplift other women throughout their careers.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The climb to leadership for women is often steep, demanding a relentless commitment to progress in the face of systemic hurdles. As you navigate this path, remember that the most effective strategy is simple: remember your intent and be open to change. By cultivating broad experience, seeking diverse perspectives, and leading with the humility to remain a lifelong learner, you can effectively anchor your leadership in a deeper purpose. Success is a game of attrition, and those who reshape the landscape are usually the ones who treat "finished" as a suggestion rather than a destination.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my professional and personal life, I anchor my journey in a commitment to collaboration, cultural humility, honesty, and teamwork, understanding that progress is rarely a solitary endeavor. True advancement comes from listening to diverse perspectives, showing up with integrity, and recognizing that we are stronger when we build bridges rather than walls. By staying humble enough to learn from everyone I meet and honest enough to face the challenges ahead, I turn every obstacle into an opportunity for growth. Ultimately, I am committed to doing more each day to move forward together.
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