Lessons in Service: What I Learned from Melissa Trevathan
Sitting down with Melissa Trevathan, the founder of Daystar Counseling Ministries, was a moment of both awe and reflection. Melissa isn’t just a leader; she’s a legacy builder. Over the past 40 years, she has devoted her life to meeting the mental health needs of children and families in Middle Tennessee, long before society was ready to openly discuss such topics. Her story isn’t just one of vision—it’s a masterclass in humility, resilience, and faith-driven service.
The Power of Purposeful Leadership
One of the most striking things about Melissa is her unwavering commitment to her calling. While many of us feel the pull of upward mobility or expanding influence, Melissa has remained steadfast in her focus: serving children with love and excellence. Her approach is a refreshing counterpoint to today’s culture, which often equates success with scale.
What I learned from Melissa is the value of staying true to your mission, even when others might encourage you to chase growth for growth’s sake. She has carefully built Daystar into a place where children feel safe and parents find hope, all without sacrificing the quality of care that defines their work. Melissa taught me that leadership doesn’t have to be flashy to be impactful—it just needs to be intentional.
Breaking Stigma, One Story at a Time
Melissa’s journey began in a time when counseling was seen as a weakness, something to be hidden rather than embraced. Today, thanks to leaders like her, mental health support is mainstream and accessible. Her work at Daystar not only provides critical services but also chips away at the stigma surrounding mental health. She reminds us that vulnerability isn’t a flaw; it’s an entry point for healing.
One lesson I took to heart during our conversation is how simple changes—like creating an environment that feels like home—can dismantle barriers. Whether it’s a warm smile, the comforting presence of therapy dogs, or even the smell of popcorn in the air, Daystar’s intentionality helps families and children feel welcome, no matter their circumstances.
Simplicity as a Strength
In a world where everyone is trying to position themselves as an expert, Melissa’s wisdom lies in her simplicity. She shared with me three words that have guided Daystar’s mission from the beginning: soften, shape, strengthen.
Soften: Creating an atmosphere where kids feel safe enough to share their stories.
Shape: Helping them process their feelings and begin their healing journey.
Strengthen: Empowering them to see their own purpose and potential, even in the face of adversity.
Melissa’s ability to distill her approach into these three principles taught me that simplicity doesn’t dilute impact—it amplifies it.
The Beauty of a Team Built on Calling
Another profound takeaway was Melissa’s philosophy on team building. The counselors and staff at Daystar aren’t just employees; they’re individuals who feel called to this work. Their commitment to showing up in both the joyful and heartbreaking moments reflects a culture that prioritizes purpose over mere professionalism.
Melissa’s approach challenged me to think about how I support my own team. She has created a community where laughter is as important as tears, and where simple acts like sharing a meal or hosting “office Olympics” build resilience for the heavy work they do.
A Legacy of Hope
What struck me most about Melissa is how she measures success—not by the number of locations Daystar has or its growth on a map, but by the quality of its service. She could easily replicate her model across the state or even the country, but that’s not her priority. For Melissa, success lies in maintaining the relational, personalized care that has become Daystar’s hallmark.
Her story is a reminder that legacy isn’t about how far you spread—it’s about how deeply you impact. Whether it’s providing hope to a struggling parent or helping a child discover their own strength, Melissa’s work embodies the heart of service.
As I reflect on my time with Melissa, I’m struck by how much there is to learn from someone who has dedicated their life to a single mission. She has shown me that true leadership is about meeting people where they are, creating space for healing, and trusting that small acts of love can lead to lasting transformation. For that, I’m forever grateful.
If you’re looking for inspiration, wisdom, or simply a reminder that goodness still exists in the world, I encourage you to listen to our conversation with Melissa Trevathan. You won’t regret it.
