Melissa M Monroe, PhD, L.Ac is the mother of two wonderful girls, Grace Marian Ferguson, now eight years old, and Alice Marie Ferguson, who died August 6, 2013 just 11 days after turning two years old. Alice died unexpectedly in her sleep, and no cause of death could be determined. The family has been devastated by this unthinkable and shocking loss.

When not mothering, Melissa practices Traditional Chinese Medicine in her clinic, and teaches Pilates, Yoga, and Qi Gong as well. She also teaches continuing education to acupuncturists and other health professionals on the topics of Grief and PTSD, and writes extensively on these issues.

Melissa also hosts an annual concert called Agastock (Alice called her binky “Aga”) every year on Alice’s birthday weekend. All proceeds go to The Southern California Counseling Center’s (SCCC) Trauma Training Program, which trains therapists in EMDR and other Trauma and Resiliency therapies, and where Melissa received life-changing help after Alice died. Additionally, Melissa was a featured speaker at the SCCC fundraising Gala in 2015.

Melissa lives her daughter Grace, and the memory of their dear Alice,  in Los Angeles, CA. She is deeply and profoundly grateful for the support she receives in the wake of Alice’s death.