Melissa M. Miralda, MSW

Speaker Information

Melissa Miralda is Deputy Director of the Community Rehabilitation Department in Belize, with over 23 years of experience in juvenile justice, child protection, and social work leadership. She specializes in program and policy development, staff mentorship, and evidence-based interventions aimed at the rehabilitation and empowerment of children, youth, and families. Melissa has led national initiatives including the implementation of Belize’s National Diversion Program, the integration of standardized assessment tools, and professional capacity-building programs across government agencies.

She holds a Master of Social Work from Galen University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Belize. Her research focuses on mental health access, gender-responsive practice, and culturally grounded social work interventions. In her recent study, “From Silence to Healing: Barriers to Men Accessing Mental Health Services in Belize,” she examined how cultural norms, stigma, and systemic factors shape men’s engagement with mental health services, providing actionable recommendations for policy, practice, and community-based interventions.

Melissa’s work bridges research, policy, and practice, emphasizing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-sensitive approaches. She is committed to advancing inclusive, community-driven strategies that reduce disparities and strengthen social support systems in Belize.