For the seekers, shifters, and stewards of change
Why Dusted Apollo?
Why Dusted Apollo?
Why Dusted Apollo?
The name Dusted Apollo comes from a fusion of symbols — the butterfly (transformation and new life), Apollo (light, healing, curiosity and exploration) and the magic of dust (as in fairy dust or ethereal particles).
It’s a reminder that the divine shows up in many forms, and transformation is always possible.
Meet Our Muse
Why Dusted Apollo?
Why Dusted Apollo?
The real-life Dusted Apollo is an extremely rare butterfly living in the meadows of the inner Himalayas, at some of the highest elevations on earth. She belongs to the Apollo species named for the Greek god of healing, prophecy, music and poetry. Dusted, because her wings look like they are coated in a silvery stardust.
Though discovered in 1890, she was photographed for the first time in 2023.
All Are Welcome
Why Dusted Apollo?
All Are Welcome
At Dusted Apollo, all beliefs and backgrounds are welcome. Whether you are part of any religion, identify as spiritual but not religious, or hold no religious beliefs at all, this is a space for open, honest exploration—free from judgment or pressure.
We welcome all people — across gender, orientation, ability, identity, faith background (
At Dusted Apollo, all beliefs and backgrounds are welcome. Whether you are part of any religion, identify as spiritual but not religious, or hold no religious beliefs at all, this is a space for open, honest exploration—free from judgment or pressure.
We welcome all people — across gender, orientation, ability, identity, faith background (or none) and life stage. This is a space for anyone seeking deeper truth, clarity and transformation.
For Individuals
Because You Matter. And without you, something is missing.
Whether you’re navigating transition, exploring your spiritual path, or stepping into more authentic leadership — I offer integrative coaching that meets you where you are and evolves as you do.
Our work may draw from career, leadership, life, and spiritual perspectives — because growth is never one-dimensional. It’s about discovering what’s true for you and living it out with courage, clarity, and purpose.
You Might Experience:
- A clearer sense of who you are and how to show up
- Peace amid uncertainty
- Confidence to make aligned choices
- Words for what you’ve long felt but couldn’t name
- A personal framework for meaning
- Renewed purpose, compassion, and direction
How It Works
Each coaching relationship is personal — shaped by your story, your pace, your season of life. Together, we create a grounded, reflective space where what’s next can take root and grow.
Rhythm. Resonance. Renewal
Schedule your free introductory call
For Teams & Organizations
Because people make the difference — and their inner life drives sustainable change.
After two decades leading transformation in Fortune 500 companies, I saw a pattern: Organizations invest heavily in strategy and structure, but often overlook the human experience.
That insight led me deeper into coaching, theology, and soul-centered consulting — because lasting results require both alignment and aliveness.
I help leaders and teams move beyond surface strategies to cultivate clarity, purpose, and resilience from the inside out.
Our work may include:
- Leading through disruption with courage, clarity, and steady focus
- Repairing leadership disconnects to rebuild trust and alignment
- Reconnecting vision to meaningful action
- Elevating collaboration, communication, and accountability
- Supporting whole-person growth and well-being
- Reigniting energy and engagement — turning burnout into renewed commitment
How It Works
My approach integrates organizational strategy with human development — drawing on both systems thinking and the deeper wisdom of what it means to be human at work. Each engagement is grounded, intentional, and designed for real transformation.
When people are whole, organizations thrive.
Human Centered. Results Driven.
Schedule your free introductory call
For Churches & Faith Communities
Because the Church is being called to rediscover its purpose in the world.
For more than two decades, I’ve guided organizations through disruption, helping them stay rooted in purpose while adapting to change. Over time, I began to see that faith communities were facing many of the same challenges—burnout, disconnection, and uncertainty about the future—but often without the resources or support to navigate them well.
That realization led me to bring together my experience in organizational transformation and my theological training to serve churches and ministry teams in a new way—one that honors both spirit and structure.
How I Support Churches and Faith Communities
- Reassess what’s working—and what’s not—around attendance, engagement, and outreach
- Navigate challenges related to buildings, budgets, and long-term sustainability
- Facilitate honest conversations about mission, relevance, and community needs
- Reignite purpose and reimagine ministry models that reflect God’s love in action
- Strengthen leadership alignment, resilience, and spiritual formation
Our Approach
This isn’t just consulting. It’s a sacred partnership — a journey of renewal for the people and systems that make up the Church. Together, we create the space for honest reflection, courageous visioning, and Spirit-led transformation.
Spirit led. People centered.
Schedule your free introductory call
About Dusted Apollo
The Journey to Dusted Apollo
I didn’t set out to create Dusted Apollo. But over time, the longing I couldn’t silence—and the patterns I couldn’t ignore—led me here.
My first job out of college was on the 92nd floor of the north tower in the World Trade Center. I was young, idealistic, and full of hope. Then came 9/11—and everything changed.
In the aftermath, I found myself asking questions no strategy deck could answer. I took one seminary class, and it lit a spark that grew into a decade of study in theology, philosophy, and spiritual formation. While my inner life deepened, my outer career thrived—leading transformation across banks, government, and global firms. But something was shifting. I saw a pattern—brilliant, driven people who looked successful but felt disconnected. I recognized myself among them. That realization led me to becoming a certified life coach. I found a path that wove together everything I’d lived, studied, and longed to offer.
In 2023, I walked away from a successful career to follow a deeper calling. It wasn’t easy. It came with grief, fear, and holy disorientation. But it also came with peace. Because walking away from what no longer fits is how we walk toward what is finally true. Dusted Apollo was born in that space—between outer success and inner wholeness. Between what the world demands and what your soul knows.
This work is for those asking:
Who am I now?
What am I here to do?
What matters, really?
We live in a culture of constant fixing. But real peace comes not from fixing, but remembering.
About Melissa
I’m Melissa, founder of Dusted Apollo — where soulful coaching meets meaningful change. I help individuals, leaders, and organizations move through transition with purpose and peace, growing into who they’re becoming.
I am a transformation executive and certified coach with 25 years of experience guiding strategic change across corporate, consulting, and public sectors — including Accenture, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and the U.S. government. My work blends clarity with compassion to help people and organizations navigate complex transitions and align strategy with human potential for lasting impact.
I hold degrees in Education and Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University, and have completed advanced post-graduate work in Theological Studies at Bethel Seminary (MN). I am credentialed through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a professional coach.
Beyond my professional work, I am active in civic and faith leadership — serving as a Guardian ad Litem, mentoring high school girls, and teaching in my local church. I’m married with three grown sons and share my home with two dogs and three cats. I love gardening, painting nature scenes, and exploring new cultures through travel. These personal passions keep me grounded and inspire the way I approach coaching — with curiosity, care, and an appreciation for life’s rhythms.
Known for blending clarity with compassion, I help clients discover meaning, resilience, and confidence in times of change — whether in their careers, leadership, personal life, or spiritual journey.
Testimonials
Melissa understands the intersection of faith, leadership, and real life in a way few people do. She helped our ministry team navigate change with grace and courage, reminding us that transformation can be both spiritual and practical. Her insight brought unity, direction, and renewed purpose to our work together.
— P.T., South Carolina
When I started working with Melissa, I was standing at a crossroads—unsure which direction to take. She didn’t give me answers; she helped me uncover my own. Her calm, grounded presence helped me move from confusion to clarity. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
— C.J., Minnesota
Melissa brings a rare combination of strategic insight and genuine empathy. She helped our leadership team find clarity during a major transition—translating complex dynamics into meaningful action. Her approach is thoughtful, human, and refreshingly practical. We didn’t just realign our goals; we rediscovered why they mattered.
— D.R., Georgia
Working with Melissa felt like reconnecting with something I’d lost—my sense of peace, purpose, and faith in my own path. Her questions led me to insights I didn’t know I was looking for. Nothing was rushed or forced, yet everything moved forward. I came away with a deeper trust in myself and the life I’m building.
— E.M., Iowa