In The Weight of Silence, Melinda, bravely uncovers the devastating truths of growing up in a family ravaged by addiction and a painful divorce.​​ At age 12, she grappled with her mother’s escalating drug use, her sister’s downward spiral, and the harsh bullying by her peers—each one chipping away at her sense of safety and emotional wellbeing.​​ As her parents' bitter separation deepened the emotional turmoil, she found herself torn between loyalty to her mother and the harsh realities of her father’s emotional withdrawal.​
​
This gripping memoir explores the chaos of family addiction, the heartbreak of a fractured family, and the courageous journey toward reclaiming one’s voice and breaking free from the shadows of the past.
Melinda Velasquez is an Author, Independent Trainer, Speaker, and ICF Master Certified Life Coach dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful growth. She holds a graduate degree in Organization Development and over a decade of experience in training and development. Specializing in trauma-informed care for mental health, foster care, and community-based organizations, she helps individuals and organizations enhance emotional intelligence while cultivating growth and healing through practical, transformative strategies.
Hello, I'm Melinda Velasquez
Trauma-Informed Trainer, Speaker & Author
I help individuals and organizations enhance Emotional Intelligence and work from a trauma-informed perspective. With over a decade of experience designing impactful workshops, I create spaces that foster self-awareness, effective communication, and collaborative leadership.
​
My personal healing journey, shaped by growing up in a family affected by addiction and codependency, fuels my work. In my memoir The Weight of Silence, I share how breaking free from the silence that once confined me led to profound transformation. This experience drives my passion for guiding others toward growth and healthier emotional dynamics.
​
I have extensive experience in mental health, foster care, and trauma-informed training for professionals, caregivers, and organizations. I also specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, helping organizations create more inclusive and emotionally intelligent environments. With a graduate degree in Organization Development and certifications in MBTI and Enneagram, I use these tools to support individuals and teams in developing emotional awareness and improving interpersonal dynamics.
​
My mission is to help organizations foster collaboration, empathy, and emotional well-being, enabling teams to work more effectively and authentically together.
