Dr. Melissa Horne is a licensed psychologist in Utah and Colorado. She completed her doctoral degree at the University of Northern Colorado in 2014 following an internship with the University of Idaho that emphasized assessment work. Her post-doctoral experiences included working in an outpatient community clinic affiliated with Western Michigan University and working with a private practice in Boulder, CO. She was also a Clinical Director at this private practice after opening a branch in Durango, CO for three years.

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked with a variety of diverse individuals, as a therapist and a tester. During her clinical work, she grew increasingly frustrated encountering people who had been misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed, especially in the case of autism spectrum disorders. Over time, Melissa sought additional training to better understand the autism spectrum and the many, many ways symptoms can present. To Melissa, each person is unique. Learning about them and telling their stories through the assessment process is a critical part of her work. You are not simply a diagnosis; you are so much more than that. Thus, Melissa currently works full-time providing assessments that go beyond a diagnosis. Her reports seek to educate and, more importantly, see an individual as a whole person with many facets, strengths, and struggles. Working with the Autism Learning Lab aligns with her values of creating a more compassionate, nuanced understanding of autism and the people who experience the spectrum.

When she’s not working, you’ll find Melissa involved in one of her myriad hobbies. She loves to write, hike in the beautiful Colorado wilderness, and spend time with her two energetic dogs. Melissa also has a fondness for RPG video games and D&D campaigns that take years to unfold. In her spare time, she’s always working to perfect gluten-free recipes or find a new book to read.