Barbra Berley-Mellits serves as the Clinical Director of Training for CogWell—a campus-based organization prompting mental health by empowering students with listening tools that foster understanding and trust—and has a consulting practice offering social-emotional skill building through interactive workshops and cohort facilitation. She also has a fun side-gig, an interior design business, Becoming Home. Its motto—”Using what you have, finding what you need” reflects her overall approach to life. Throw in multiple volunteer roles, two book clubs (although one is practically book optional), a  dinner club, a Sacred Aging Group (yes, SAG!), a collective giving group, toddler duty, dog care, crafting projects … and she ends each day with too small a dent in her “to do list”, but with a grateful heart.
 
Holding an MSW from UPenn and a BS from Boston University, she worked as a therapist, facilitator, and administrator before launching her curriculum design and training practice. She has developed interactive programs across life stages with a shared goal: to cultivate life skills and supportive communities that spark connection and personal growth.
 
Barbra’s commitment to interfaith bridge-building includes founding an award-winning Jewish-Muslim Youth Partnership Program, leading interfaith dialogues for the Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service, participation in the Leadership Institute of Interfaith
Philadelphia and nearly 30 years of fellowship in a Jewish-Baptist Unity Choir.
 
Both personally and professionally, Barbra is inspired by the magic of listening with curiosity and compassion. Whether training college students, facilitating women’s support groups or workshops on civil dialogue, positive parenting, or resilient aging, Barbra champions
the practice of authentic conversations that support and heal. 

Barbra is grateful to be married to her best friend with whom she raised three kids – now with growing families – who are good listeners. The dogs and the toddlers remain a work in progress.