Welcome to the first episode of The Dr. Melissa Show: The Stories That Shape Us—a podcast exploring the quiet, defining moments of identity, growth, and transformation that often unfold behind closed doors.

In this powerful premiere episode, Dr. Melissa Carman—licensed therapist, executive coach, and founder of CNY Mental Health Counseling—sits down with Christine Phillips, a former educator turned Practice & Partnership Manager at CNYMHC—and a fierce advocate and rare disease mom.

With honesty, heart, and deep reflection, Christine shares what it’s been like to navigate a life she never expected: parenting a child with a CASK gene mutation, advocating in the unknown, balancing the demands of a working mom, and learning how to hold space for both of her daughters to be fully seen.

This conversation is tender, courageous, and filled with wisdom—for anyone navigating uncertainty, identity shifts, or a life they didn’t plan for.

🎙️ Dr. Melissa and Christine explore:

• The moment that changed everything—and how Christine found her way through it
• The emotional load of rare disease parenting
• The sibling dynamic between Emmy and Andi, and the tenderness of being seen
• The evolution of marriage, identity, and purpose under pressure
• What Christine has learned about joy, advocacy, and showing up for herself
• The stories we carry, the ones we rewrite, and the power of being honest about both

🎧 Featured Resources from This Episode:

• www.davidsrefuge.org – Respite, community, and support for caregivers of children with special needs or life-threatening conditions
• www.webelieveinacure.org – Global nonprofit working to cure FOXG1 syndrome and supporting the rare disease community
• www.caskgene.org – Advancing research and resources for families impacted by CASK-related disorders

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional.

🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience.
🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com
📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State.

💼 Looking for executive or performance coaching support?
Explore Dr. Carman’s work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-performing teams:
🌐 www.drmelissacarman.com

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This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.