Kelly Bond, MSW

Licensed Educational Therapist 202582171-4

I am a licensed Educational Therapist through the National Institute for Learning Development (NILD). Like many parents, you may be wondering how educational therapy differs from traditional academic tutoring. While tutoring typically focuses on improving performance in a specific subject, educational therapy addresses the underlying learning processes that impact success across all academic areas. Educational therapy works to strengthen four key areas of whole-brain learning: cognition, perception, emotions, and academics. By developing these foundational skills, students gain the confidence and tools needed to become independent, successful learners in any environment.

With a background in clinical social work, I approach each child holistically—meeting them where they are socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. I believe every child deserves to be recognized for their unique strengths and potential, not defined by their challenges. Through educational therapy, I partner with families to help students build confidence, resilience, and a positive learner identity that supports lifelong success.

Education & Training

After earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Walla Walla University, I began my career working in foster care. For eight years, I supported children facing a wide range of behavioral challenges, learning differences, and cognitive and developmental disabilities. During that time, I learned one of the most important lessons of my professional life: children are remarkably resilient when they receive the right support, encouragement, and therapeutic guidance.

Another transformative experience came through raising my two neurodivergent children. As both a parent and professional, I became increasingly aware of the growing gap in support services for students with learning differences. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for effective intervention—not only for students with diagnosed learning disabilities but also for many children who struggled to develop essential foundational skills during periods of distance learning.

​In 2020, I began working as an Intervention Specialist at a private Christian school, providing small-group and one-on-one support to students. This experience ignited a passion for helping struggling learners discover their strengths and reach their potential. Motivated to deepen my impact, I pursued advanced training and certification in Educational Therapy through NILD.

​For the past six years, I have had the privilege of working with students from kindergarten through high school who face a wide range of learning challenges. My goal is to help each student develop the cognitive, academic, and executive functioning skills necessary to thrive both in school and at home. Watching students gain confidence, independence, and a renewed belief in their abilities continues to be the most rewarding part of my work.

Book dr. Melissa for your event

Dr. Melissa is a sought after presenter who engages her audience with energy, charisma, and critical information. She regularly speaks on the topics of ADHD, trauma, foster and adoption, attachment, child development, parenting, mental health, and faith. Inquire for more information.

Words from the families
we’ve walked alongside.

I had an amazing training experience with Therapy SoCal. Dr. Jinariu is an excellent supervisor and utilizes a strengths-based approach with her practicum students. I feel very confident in my skills working with trauma, adoption, and ADHD thanks to the... More

Erica Kirk, MA

former Masters level Associate

Dr. Melissa Jinariu is amazing to work with and I really enjoy collaborating with her. She works with families in high conflict divorce to help them heal and move forward. She is wonderful with children and incredibly intuitive. I appreciate... More

Emily Robinson, Esq.

Minor's Counsel

Dr. Jinariu is one of the most compassionate and knowledgable clinicians in the field of pediatric psychology. She truly cares about her clients and is an expert in trauma and trauma-informed care. Her standard of excellence is bar none.

Brooke Angaga

LMFT

Dr. Melissa Jinariu is amazing to work with and I really enjoy collaborating with her. She works with families in high conflict divorce to help them heal and move forward. She is wonderful with children and incredibly intuitive. I appreciate... More

Emily Robinson, Esq.

Minor's Counsel

Answers to your mental health questions

Faq

Need More Questions?

Yes. Therapy SoCal’s multilingual team offers services in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Armenian, and Russian. Language availability may depend on the clinician and type of service requested.

Yes. Christian and faith-sensitive counseling is available for clients who would like their beliefs incorporated into therapy. Faith integration is optional, client-led, and offered alongside evidence-based psychological care. Clients do not need to request faith-based services to receive treatment at Therapy SoCal.

Child therapy may help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism-related needs, OCD, trauma, grief, disruptive behavior, emotional regulation, social challenges, family transitions, attachment concerns, and school-related difficulties.

The recommended treatment approach depends on the child’s individual needs and the results of the initial consultation.

Therapy may be helpful when emotional, behavioral, developmental, or social difficulties interfere with your child’s daily life. Signs may include persistent worry, sadness, withdrawal, intense emotional reactions, changes in sleep, school difficulties, family conflict, avoidance, or trouble recovering from a stressful experience.

An initial consultation can help determine whether therapy, psychological testing, parent support, or another service may be appropriate.

To request therapy or psychological testing, complete the form on the Contact Therapy SoCal page or call 661-904-0088.

Please include the type of service you are seeking, the client’s age, your preferred location or telehealth option, and a convenient way to reach you.