Melanie Burkholder | Co-Director, Carlsbad USD
Dr. Melanie Burkholder is a decorated Secret Service agent, mental health counselor, and proud wife and mother. She is a proven leader and a distinguished member of the Carlsbad community.
Passionate about helping people in need, Melanie was drawn to a career in mental health counseling. She earned her Masters in Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research at the University of Memphis. Melanie then gained her accreditation to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and earned a PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling.
After working several years as a counselor, Melanie was recruited to the United States Secret Service where she served as a Special Agent. Her duties included protection assignments for the President, Vice-President, and many foreign dignitaries. She investigated cases of identity theft, fraud, money laundering, bank fraud and counterfeiting, leading to numerous convictions and a number of decorations.
Melanie chose to leave her life of public service after almost six years as a Special Agent to raise her two children. She now owns and operates a successful counseling practice in Carlsbad.
Melanie believes that parents have the both the right and the duty to get involved when their children’s wellbeing is at risk. Melanie first got involved in local government as a leader in the fight to ban the use of the toxic pesticides on school fields. Not only did she win this fight, she won without costing her community any additional tax dollars.
Melanie is active in our community, a dedicated volunteer at her church, Cheerleading Coordinator at Friday Night Lights, the PTA at Magnolia Elementary and Valley, and the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary. She was previously Webelos Leader with Cub Pack 740 in Carlsbad.