Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Preece
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story and career began when I was 18, at a time when I thought I had a clear path ahead. I had always believed that law school was my future, but some of the choices I made during those years changed the course of my life forever.
At 18, I met a man who, in retrospect, was not a good choice. For the next 3-4 years, he became a significant part of my life, pulling me into a world I wasn’t prepared for. He had ongoing legal issues that I wasn’t aware of, and a deep involvement in the drug scene that I couldn’t see until it was too late. He came into my life at a time when I let my guard down, and I didn’t realize how much that would alter everything.
Eventually, I became pregnant. I had always imagined a different future, but now, I found myself trapped in a relationship that grew increasingly dangerous. After I had my baby, the situation became violently abusive, both verbally and physically. The violence escalated quickly, and I realized I was in a domestic violence situation that was taking a toll on my mental and physical well-being. To make matters worse, the legal system offered very little help, and I was made to feel as though I was somehow complicit in the situation. That bitterness toward the system would stay with me for a long time.
I decided to start over, and I enrolled in classes at Amarillo College, planning to continue my pursuit of a law degree. But then, something unexpected happened. I took a chemical dependency counseling class, and it completely changed my perspective. At that moment, I was deeply intrigued by the subject, particularly because I had just escaped a toxic relationship where substance abuse had played such a destructive role. It felt like fate, and I realized this was the direction I needed to pursue.
I earned my degree in chemical dependency counseling and became a licensed chemical dependency counselor. But I didn’t stop there. I decided to continue my education at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology while raising my child as a single mother. During this time, I also worked as a registered dental assistant and took on evening and weekend shifts at a women’s drug and alcohol treatment facility. It was a lot to juggle, but I was determined to create a better life for myself and my child.
While working toward my bachelor’s degree, I met a man who would become a huge support in my life. He encouraged me to continue pursuing my education, always believing in my abilities and ambitions. His unwavering support gave me the strength and confidence to keep going, even when it felt like an uphill battle. Today, we are married, and his belief in me continues to be a guiding force in my career and personal life.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I took another leap forward. I continued my studies at WTAMU and earned a master’s degree in social work. This opened many doors for me in the mental health field, where I could wear many hats and help others who had faced struggles similar to mine. The journey was anything but easy, but every step I took, every challenge I overcame, shaped who I am today.
Looking back, I realize that my life took a different path than I had originally planned, but it’s been a journey that has brought me purpose, strength, and the ability to help others who are fighting their own battles. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. My journey has been filled with significant struggles and challenges that have shaped me into who I am today. The first major obstacle was the abusive relationship I found myself in at a young age. I met a man when I was 18, and for several years, I was unaware of the extent of his involvement in illegal activities and the drug scene. When I became pregnant and had my baby, the relationship turned violent, both physically and verbally. I felt trapped in a cycle of abuse, and the legal system offered very little support, which left me feeling bitter and helpless.
After escaping that situation, I had to rebuild my life while raising my child as a single mother. I started taking classes at Amarillo College with the goal of pursuing a law degree, but I found a new direction when I took a class on chemical dependency counseling. This course, combined with my personal experience in an abusive relationship, sparked a new passion in me. It wasn’t easy to shift my career path, but it was a pivotal moment that led me to become a licensed chemical dependency counselor.
There were still many obstacles to overcome. As a single mother, I juggled my education at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), working as a registered dental assistant, and taking on evening and weekend shifts at a women’s drug and alcohol treatment facility. The balancing act was tough, but I was determined to succeed for both myself and my child.
A major turning point came when I met a man who became a strong supporter of my career ambitions. His encouragement was a huge factor in helping me continue my education and pursue my goals, and today, we are married. However, the road was still challenging, as I continued my studies and eventually earned my master’s degree in social work while navigating the complexities of life and work.
In sum, my journey has been anything but smooth. It has been filled with personal struggles, the pain of past abuse, financial challenges, and the balancing act of being a mother while pursuing higher education. But these struggles have only strengthened my resolve and deepened my desire to help others who are facing similar challenges. The road was difficult, but I’m grateful for every step I took to get here.
As you know, we’re big fans of Melissa Preece, LCSW-S, LCDC PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I hold a license in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma as a (LCSW) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Supervisor in Texas) and am a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in Texas. I have a little over 25 years of experience working in the Mental Health/Substance Abuse field, originally specializing in substance use disorders, primarily with women which then led to expanding my focus in trauma and other complex mental health diagnoses. I have worn many hats during my career which have played a crucial role in shaping my approach to therapy and my commitment to offering support and understanding to those in need. My experience and knowledge in different levels of care come from various programs in which I have either volunteered or have been employed: Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment, Drug Court, Probation, Inpatient Acute Mental Health, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Private Practice. I started my private practice in late 2010 working part-time while working full-time at other mental health facilities. In 2020, I left a director position at a mental health hospital to pursue full-time practice.
What does success mean to you?
“To me, success is about resilience, growth, and the impact we have on others. My journey hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been shaped by challenges that forced me to adapt and redefine what success means. At one point, I believed success was about achieving a specific career goal, like becoming a lawyer. But life had other plans, and I found myself navigating difficult circumstances, including single parenthood and escaping an abusive relationship.
Those experiences taught me that success isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s about the strength to overcome adversity and use those experiences to grow. It’s about pursuing opportunities that align with your values and finding fulfillment in helping others. For me, that meant turning my focus to mental health and addiction recovery, fields that resonated deeply with my own story.
Today, I define success as having the courage to rewrite your story when life doesn’t go as planned, building a life rooted in purpose and stability, and empowering others to do the same. It’s about knowing that the work I do every day creates meaningful change, not just for myself, but for the people I serve.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissapreece.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.lewis.77582
Image Credits
Photo credit: Brittani Preece Photography
