I don’t think “life coaching” does Melissa justice. She offers so much - personal exploration, strategies, knowledge, wisdom, practices, philosophy, resources, AMAZING post-session notes! And that’s still not doing her justice! I carry around in my head so many of her wise words and wonderful quotes she shared. I don’t know where I lost my self-esteem but I definitely know where I found it again! Thank you, Melissa, from the bottom of my heart. (Rose T)

Melissa helped me through the hard phases of end of uni, figuring out what to do next and starting my first job. I thought I just needed some guidance but I got so much more out of our coaching. Melissa helped me to figure out what I value, where I wasn’t backing myself and being authentic. I have so much more faith in myself now and my decision making - and a totally different understanding of a successful life! I can’t recommend Melissa/Ithaca enough. (Alex)

I’ve known Melissa since school, and even before she set up Ithaca I would have described her as my mentor; apart from showing genuine interest in my wellbeing, both inside and outside school, she was always dedicated to helping me with any academic advice I required, be it general, skill-based, or helping me discover my interests. This is why I was so unsurprised by the quality of Ithaca coaching. Approaching third year of university is terrifying - you’re expected to start making big choices which have even bigger consequences. The things Melissa helped me with in school now seem to have taken on a lot more weight. Our coaching sessions are always comforting and grounding. I don’t know how she does it - her words have the power to change my entire perspective on even the smallest things. (Marina)

Before I had coaching with Melissa I really struggled with self-confidence and asserting myself in social situations. I’d say she helped me build faith in myself but actually it was more like she got me to reconnect to it! I’ll be forever grateful for our sessions! (Layla)

I honestly feel a different person after my coaching with Melissa. I was really anxious and Melissa gave me strategies that made such a difference but she also changed how I think about myself. I realised basically all my anxiety was connected to rubbish self-esteem and Melissa helped me build it back up - in such simple and effective ways too. She was totally right that commitment and patience pays off. Our weekly chats honestly became the highlight of my week and it’s so nice knowing I can check in with her when I need to. I think one of my bedroom walls will forever be covered in my various homework exercises and Melissa’s wise words! (Georgie)

The most important life lesson I have ever learnt was told to me by Melissa. It’s ok to say no! I always used to be overwhelmed by all the tasks I had taken on and never managed to enjoy the things that I was accomplishing. I really cannot thank her enough and I would highly recommend speaking to her about anything which is stopping you from progressing or being happy in life as she always has something up her sleeve! (Tor)

Melissa understood exactly how insurmountable and scary an exam season can feel and, through her empathetic calmness, offered guidance on routines and gently introduced new perspectives. Exam anxiety is incredibly isolating and all-consuming, but I can now see there are paths through it! (LG)

Melissa has not only help me face and make friends with anxiety but has set me on a trajectory of self confidence and alignment with who I am. Her guidance has been incredibly helpful and something I will carry with me always. If I could talk to Melissa everyday I would ! (Lanti)

Melissa’s warm caring style was just what I needed. But I also loved the way sessions had a certain structure and theme. It wasn’t just me rambling on about my problems! I learnt SO much about how my/the brain works and that helped me so much with taking control over my thoughts and loops. She even got me into mindfulness - despite some early resistance and cynicism! I feel so much stronger - mentally and emotionally. THANK YOU Melissssssa! (Dan)

From a parent perspective, I would wholeheartedly endorse Melissa as both an inspiring coach and first-rate Classics tutor.  Melissa is a lovely person combining high intellect with top-rate emotional intelligence.  Helping with both Classics tutoring and personal coaching, she has helped our son navigate effectively the often challenging A Level period from both a work, and a holistic, perspective. Her encouraging and engaging style really resonated with him so he felt heard and valued. He will carry forward Melissa’s wise counsel but is also reassured in the knowledge that he can reach out for future guidance. (LM)

We knew as soon as we met Melissa that she was the right choice to help guide our 11 year old son through a challenging period of his life. Melissa’s warm, friendly, calm and enthusiastic demeanour was just what we needed. Melissa worked with our son for around 4 months , guiding, teaching and building up his emotional intelligence and tool box to understand himself. She was encouraging, made everything relevant and age appropriate for him to understand. 

We will absolutely lean on Melissa again in future and would not hesitate to recommend her for any help with childhood education, children’s well being  and mental health support. (The Burkes)

thank yous (my TEACHING YEARS)

Thank you for all you have done for Highgate this year. Whether it’s been in the classroom or behind the scenes, you have, in these convulsed times, exerted a generous, thoughtful and sensitive influence on those looking for a re-equilibrium and for new harmony in their young lives. If we have navigated these rocky waters such that the young have emerged stronger, safer, happier and more confident, it will be because some teachers, like you, have had unique gifts which they have selflessly put in pupils’ way, unobtrusively, deftly, kindly. Lucky Highgate. original message

Adam Pettitt (Head of Highgate School)

You’ve not just been a great teacher but a role model to me (and many others, if you could only hear how fondly your students talk about you…) Your uni advice has been so valuable, as has your recognition of my enjoyment of engaging with literature. original message

Thank you for believing in me even (or especially) when I do not. I could not have made it through the year without you. You have been such a great support to me and I am so grateful for it. original message

Just to say thank you so much for such a wonderful two years. Your pep talks and general encouragement have been an incredibly calming and stabilising influence during the highs and lows of sixth form / Oxbridge applications / A Levels. original message

I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done over the past two years. Although you were focusing on Latin, you have taught me the importance of determination, resilience and perseverance in studies and life. If I ever become a teacher I hope to be as brilliant and caring a one as you. original message

Thank you for your patience this year and for always knowing what to say. I would never usually approach someone on such a matter but I knew you would be the right person – and have shedloads of wisdom. original message

You’ve had a huge impact on my time at Highgate, and I’m eternally grateful for all your help over the last two years: the sooner you quit teaching and become a therapist for neurotic teenage girls, the better the world will be. original message

Thank you for also being there for me and giving me someone to talk to when I went through a difficult time earlier in the year too. original message

You stand out in my memory as one of the most approachable and empathetic teachers I have ever had. original message

You were also so unbelievably kind to me so thank you. I really don’t know what else to say other than the fact it sucks you are leaving. Ms Neckar, you are awesome! original message

You have always been the teacher to whom I’d go to if I had anything serious I needed to talk about and I felt much better about… original message