Dr. Melissa M. Casses is a dedicated educator, researcher, and certified yoga teacher/continuing education provider with a passion for fostering inclusive education and holistic wellness. As an Assistant Professor of Special Education & Educational Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Dr. Casses brings almost a decade of teaching experience in higher education, along with over a decade of practical work experience specializing in Part C Early Intervention, Discrete Trial Training, Relationship Development Intervention and transition services.
Dr. Casses earned her Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with her dissertation focusing on early intervention for infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. She also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a child development emphasis from West Virginia University, where she conducted innovative research on equestrian therapy for family wellness.
A certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and experienced yoga educator (E-RYT 200, YACEP), Dr. Casses integrates her expertise in developmental psychology and wellness into her teaching and research. She has worked extensively in early intervention services under IDEA, coaching families and professionals to support children with developmental delays. Her leadership includes serving as a University Fellow for the Pennsylvania Education Policy and Leadership Program and completing the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Casses’ professional journey includes operating her own yoga studio, where she developed tailored curriculums for diverse populations, and publishing peer-reviewed research on family-centered intervention, educational practices, and children’s yoga books. She remains committed to advancing equitable and innovative strategies in education, while nurturing students’ personal and professional growth.
Education & Training
- BS, Psychology | University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
- California State University of Long Beach [CSULB], Long Beach, CA
- Certified Program Consultant, RDIConnect | Houston, TX
- MS, Clinical, Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling | West Virginia University
- EdD, Curriculum & Instruction | Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- University Fellow, Education Policy and Leadership Center | Pittsburgh, PA
- Racial Equity Consciousness Institute (RECI), Center on Race and Social Problems | University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA
Representative Publications
Casses, M. (2023). Counseling for Educators. Teachers Connecting to Advance Retention and Empowerment [T-CARE]. 22,5.
Casses, M. (2020). Complementary Approaches for Opioid Addiction Therapies. Online Training, CEUs4Counselors, West Virginia University.
Casses, M. & Paquette, K. (2016). Standing outside the fire: Remaining objective in early intervention. Education, 137(2), 123-131.
Casses, M. (2015). Get down with dog: A yoga story. Create Space Publishing.
Paquette, K., Corbett, F., & Casses, M. (2015). Student evaluation response rates of teacher performance in higher education online classes. Quarterly Review of Distance Education. 16, 71-82.
Hall, D. & Casses, M. (2011). Helping parents and families be advocates for children with disabilities. Penn State Extension: Better Kid Care On-Demand Lesson. State College, PA. Published and Presented, April 2011.