Hello, I’m Melissa Renzi…

My pronouns are she/her and I’m a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Social Worker, Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, Ecotherapy Guide, and Community Builder.

My life’s journey has centered on fostering healing and contributing to healthier dynamics within every sphere I touch—be it the natural world, my community, my family, or my own inner world.

While my career has taken various paths, all converging on the mission to empower highly sensitive people (HSPs) see their sensitivity as the powerful strength it truly is. I believe support is central to such a pivot in our cultural narrative. Thus, I bring highly sensitive people together through retreats and online sharing circles. These retreats serve as a refuge to embrace sensitivity, connect to community, and harness our strengths to make a meaningful difference in the world. Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of leading more than 20 retreats across 7 different countries, welcoming over 200 participants.

I grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. I completed both a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare in 2004 and a Master of Social Work in 2008 at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. During my undergraduate degree, I engaged in extensive studies in Languages & Cultures of Asia, including Sanskrit, Hindi, and contemplative traditions. As a social worker, I’ve worked in homelessness, child welfare, behavioral health, and disability issues before transitioning to my current work.

I also offer accessible, trauma-informed yoga classes. My expertise lies in providing yoga sessions tailored for healthcare settings, including addiction recovery centers, mental health facilities, community health centers, and senior programs throughout the Chicago area. Additionally, I host a weekly online class to make my classes available to those who cannot attend in person. For information about this class, as well as my yoga background and approach to teaching, visit my yoga schedule.