Transformative Coach & Mental Health Counselor for Women
Turning confusion into clarity and momentum, one intentional step at a time
The Heart of Elevate Gracefully
Elevate Gracefully exists for women who are ready to stop living on autopilot and start living with intention, clarity, and confidence. My clients are accomplished, committed, and deeply capable. Outwardly, life looks polished. Inwardly, it feels messy, exhausting, and unclear.
This work creates pause. At Elevate Gracefully, we slow down just enough to untangle the mess, reconnect to your values, and move forward in ways that feel aligned, not forced.
Coaching and counseling share a similar goal: grounded, graceful growth that honors the whole person. Coaching focuses on momentum and forward action; counseling creates space for emotional insight and healing. Different paths, same destination: sustainable growth without rushing, perfection, or burnout.
About Melanie
I’m Melanie V. Tucker, and I’ve walked the path I now guide others along. Former C-Suite executive. First in my family to have a doctorate in hand. Mother of an amazing daughter. High achievement AND the messy, crowded, quietly exhausting reality behind it.
I created Elevate Gracefully for women juggling responsibilities, transitions, ambitions, and overwhelm, while quietly asking themselves, “What’s next?” My work blends lived experience, strategic insight, clinical expertise, and moments of levity.
Clients notice I keep the big picture in view while untangling the messy middle, combining thoughtful direction with empathy and warmth, so growth never feels heavy.
If you asked my tween daughter, she’d say: “Mom helps smart women figure out what’s next, without bossing them around.” Honestly, she’s not wrong.
My goal, whether through coaching or counseling, is to help you move forward with clarity, intention, and a little more ease than you arrived with.
Credentials, Degrees, and Other Things That (Might) Sound Impressive
Certifications:
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Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC - 48887)
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA State - LH00003636 & RI - MHC02051)
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Licensed Professional Counselor (VA - 0701016294 & IL - 178.007753)
Degrees:
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Doctor of Education: Adult & Higher Education – Northern Illinois University
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Education Specialist: Counseling Education – Southeast Missouri State University
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Master of Education: Counselor Education – University of New Orleans
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Bachelor of Arts: Applied Psychology - Eastern Washington University
Select Examples of Publications:
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Strengthening Cross-Campus Collaborations to Foster Student Success for Students with Disabilities.
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Time for Critical Hope.
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Rewriting the Narrative on Imposter Syndrome.
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Integrate Senior Leadership Role with Parenthood.
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Being Both a Senior Leader on Campus & a Mother.
Core Values That Shape Our Work
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Intentional Chapters: Honor your current chapter while thoughtfully choosing the next.
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Grace Over Hustle: Progress over perfection. Burnout is not a badge of honor.
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Holistic Growth: You are more than a role, title, or to-do list.
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Authorship & Agency: Reclaim your voice and choice. You’re the author of your life.
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Wisdom With Warmth: Insight doesn’t have to be heavy. Growth should bring joy.
Writing the Next Chapter
Think of this work as a thoughtful reread, not to critique, but to understand before turning the page.
Using the PRISM Framework™, we:
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Pause to understand where you are.
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Reflect on what this chapter is really asking of you.
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Select what stays, what shifts, and what can be released.
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Move into the next chapter with intention and momentum.
This is Elevating Gracefully. Growth that is grounded, not rushed.
