Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Wellner.
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on Long Island, NY. I said I wanted to be a doctor since the age of 3. I was pre-med at SUNY Albany and went on to medical school at Jefferson Medical College (Now Sydney Kimmel Medical College) with the intention of becoming a pediatric surgeon. During my third year of medical school, I quickly realized that surgery wasn’t for me and ended up falling in love with the field of child and adolescent psychiatry after completing a rotation at Belmont Psychiatric hospital. I completed general psychiatry residency training at University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt and went on for further training at Johns Hopkins for child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. After completing fellowship, I went to work at Anne Arundel Medical Center (Now Luminis) working in their outpatient mental health clinic seeing children and adolescents. During my time there I also assisted with the opening of the adolescent psychiatric day hospital. Following that job, I transitioned into private practice initially at Waypoint Wellness Center where I became a partial co-owner and was the lead psychiatrist. Starting in late 2023, I made the decision to pivot to my own private practice, Annapolis Psychiatry. I also started a parenting podcast in 2024 with a colleague, Samantha Straub, called Parenting Shrink Wrapped.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. It was hard to balance training while having a family. I also had conflict with my prior business partners before I transitioned out on my own.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I co-host a podcast called Parenting Shrink Wrapped that is available on all the major podcast platforms and on You Tube. My co host, Samantha Straub, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and parenting coach so together we bring expert advice. Through this platform, parents can access free, expert parenting advice, tips and strategies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think both good and bad luck has helped shape me to where I am today. If I had gotten into other medical schools, I wouldn’t have met my husband who is from South Jersey. If I hadn’t gotten let go due to budget cuts from Anne Arundel Medical Center then I may not have gone into private practice and through that private practice, I met my podcast co-host.
Pricing:
- New patient appointment $600
- 30 minute follow up $225
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annapolispsychiatry.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingShrinkWrapped
