Current ongoing in-person workshops include Intentional Reading on the second Friday of each month at Toivo Center; Intentional Writing and Art with meditation, co-facilitated with artist Eduardo Arias Cruz, on the third Friday of each month; and Healing Through the Art of Poetry and Journaling, co-facilitated with Toivo Wellness Facilitator Heidi V., on the third Wednesday of each month. Learn more and sign up at Toivo Center: Toivo Calendar – Toivo
Stay tuned for additional in-person and online workshops and retreats. Melissa also brings her workshops and presentations into the community at sites statewide and offers private workshops for groups seeking to contract her services.
Collaborate with Melissa B. Lombardo and Write, Heal, Thrive®
Melissa brings lived experience, cultural awareness, and a trauma-responsive approach to every offering whether it’s a writing workshop, publishing mentorship, or creative collaboration. Through the power of writing to heal and thrive, each service is thoughtfully designed to support healing, resilience, and meaningful growth.
We specialize in co-creating experiences that center story, reflection, and social impact. From facilitated workshops to community performances and custom projects, we’re here to bring your vision to life with care, clarity, and purpose.
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Workshops and Mentorships (Online and In-person options)
- Cultivating Strengths: A Journaling Workshop for Resilience, Empowerment and Community Connection
Discover how journaling and reflective writing can empower you to build resilience, empowerment, and create a strong foundation for personal and workplace community connection. Through guided prompts and community connection, harness the power of storytelling and self-expression to navigate challenges, foster growth, and cultivate a thriving mindset. - Nurturing Yourself: A Journaling Workshop for Self-Care and Wellbeing: Explore how journaling and reflective writing can be powerful tools for self-care and wellbeing, helping you reduce stress, gain clarity, and cultivate inner balance. Through guided prompts and creative expression, learn how to prioritize your well-being, process emotions, and create a sustainable self-care practice that supports your healing and growth.
- Cultivating Gratitude: A Journaling Workshop for Reflection and Joy: Discover how journaling can deepen your gratitude practice, helping you shift perspectives, find joy in everyday moments, and foster a greater sense of fulfillment. Through guided prompts and reflective writing, explore new ways to acknowledge and appreciate life’s blessings, creating a habit of gratitude that nurtures resilience and personal growth.
- Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) Writing Workshops: The AWA method is a powerful, research-backed approach that fosters creativity and growth by honoring every voice. It creates a supportive, judgment-free environment where writers of all backgrounds and levels can strengthen their craft, build confidence, and discover the transformative power of storytelling. Melissa Lombardo is a certified affiliate of AWA and through Write, Heal, Thrive® offers writing workshops that not only help writers refine their skills but also provide a space for healing, connection, and thriving through the written word.
- Ignite Your Voice & Vision: A Mentorship Journey for First-Time Authors and Entrepreneurs: Step into your purpose as a first-time author or new entrepreneur. This mentorship program supports you in the early stages of your journey—whether you’re writing your first book, launching a creative business, or both. Through personalized guidance, templates, and check-ins, you’ll gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and align your voice and vision with your core values.
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Elevate Your Voice & Launch Your Legacy: Mentorship for Authors Ready to Publish: Your manuscript is finished and now it’s time to bring your story into the world with purpose and impact. This long-term mentorship program is designed for first-time heart-led authors ready to publish their manuscript and step confidently into the next phase of their journey. Whether your story is rooted in personal healing, lived experience, or the mission behind your creative business, this experience offers you personalized support to shape your vision, expand your reach and ultimately publish your book. With publishing guidance, project planning, mindset tools, and hands-on resources, you’ll move from polished draft to a published work aligned with your voice, values, and goals. *If you do not have a manuscript yet but are interested in working with me, please reach out.
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Hurt, Healing, and Hope: Thriving beyond Sexual Assault: Performance Mentorship and Licensing: Designed for college campuses, student organizations, non-profits, and community theaters, Hurt, Healing, and Hope: Thriving Beyond Sexual Assault is a powerful 3-act interwoven monologue performance that brings vital conversations to the stage. Perfect for observances like Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April, this piece fosters awareness, education, and healing through the transformative power of storytelling and performance. This initiative includes mentorship and licensing support to help your group bring the performance to life with authenticity, sensitivity, and impact. Centered on themes of resilience and justice, it invites audiences to reflect, connect, and take action. Thank you for licensing this piece. Your support not only enhances the creative process but also upholds writers’ rights and furthers essential advocacy work in our communities. *Although this may be produced at any time, we suggest production to take place March through May coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
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