God Designed You For More
Melissa Gendreau
Hi, I'm Melissa Gendreau,Â
Founder of Forward Path
About Melissa
I grew up in small-town Iowa. In most areas, I was pretty average. Good kid, good student, some good friends, but generally shy and insecure. I preferred to be part of the crowd rather than stand out. I was in choir and band and on the dance team, but I didn’t want solos. I often knew the answer in class, but didn’t raise my hand.Â
However, I wasn’t going to be talked into something I didn’t believe in or agree with.Â
I wanted to be part of things that mattered and were important. Before becoming a Christian, it was a way to gain worth.Â
I started with typical teenage jobs - fast food, retail- but then found a job working at a residential program for profoundly cognitively and physically disabled people. While I realized that wasn’t the population I was called to serve, it did show me I was meant to help people.
That desire led to a B.A. in Family Services, and I worked at a different residential facility until the next calling came to pursue my M.S. to become a Mental Health Therapist in 2009.
Since then, I have worked at two different non-profit organizations and then started my own private practice in 2020.
IÂ have also been married to my best friend since 2007, and we are the parents of two wonderful human beings.
God has shown me who He believes I am. That understanding has created humble confidence to be more like he designed me to be. I am still that person who will stand for what I believe in.
Over the past couple of years, a stirring has been growing in my heart. Our world can be quite dark at times, and as Christians, we are called to be different. We are to shine God’s light.Â
God has brought me to this point. He has prompted me to expand and share His word along with my experience and knowledge on a larger scale.Â
Your growth - in your life and in your marriage, to glorify God - is my God-given purpose.
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Welcome to Forward Path!Â
I help Christians heal the wounds that distort their identity, replace lies with God’s truth, and develop humble confidence so they can thrive in their faith, relationships, and marriage. Whether we’re talking about healing, identity, or marriage, the goal is the same: becoming the person God created you to be.
For 16 years, I have had the privilege of helping people navigate pain, obstacles, trauma, anxiety, and difficult seasons of life as a licensed mental health therapist. While that work was deeply meaningful, I noticed something important: healing isn’t the finish line. Insight alone doesn’t transform a life. The people who experienced the most growth were those willing to take the next step — to apply truth, pursue maturity, and intentionally become the person God created them to be.
I still care deeply about healing, but my focus today is helping growth-oriented Christians move from healing into growth. Forward Path was born out of a desire to help those who are asking not just “Why am I struggling?” but “How do I grow? How do I become the person God created me to be?”
For years, I helped people get unstuck. Now I help people move forward.
- Melissa Gendreau
Education
Coaching Certificates
Professional Experience
Memberships
Resources for every step of your
Forward Path journey
Forward Path Community: Your Ongoing Journey to Thrive God's Way
The heart of Forward Path: an exclusive, annual membership where you grow deeper in purpose, confidence, and marriage with like-minded Christians who are eager to grow, too.
Daily prompts to keep you anchored in God's Word and intentional living.
Weekly live Q&A sessions diving into podcast episodes with real-time guidance from me.
Quarterly coaching workshops for personalized breakthroughs and deeper connection.
Join the community that will encourage your growth!
Podcast: Forward Path with Melissa - Life and Marriage God's Way
The easiest way to get to know me and hear my heart for your growth.
Every week, I share practical, God-honoring information straight from my life as a therapist, coach, wife, and mom.Â
Episodes are relatable, inspiring, and full of real-life stories + actionable steps rooted in God's Word.
If we haven't had the opportunity to meet yet, this is the perfect place to start.
Listen, feel seen and supported, and see why so many listeners go on to join the community, enroll in courses, or step into coaching.
Tune in anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Courses: Individuals and Bundles
Everything you need to grow deeper in marriage, purpose, and family life, and to stay rooted in God’s Word.
Choose individual courses like Boundaries in Marriage, Be a Light for Others, or 100% Spouse for targeted transformation, or pick a course bundle that fits exactly where God has you right now.
All with lifetime access, practical workbooks, and Scripture-rich tools to help you live boldly for Him.
Start your Forward Path today: pick the perfect combination and step into the more He created you for!
Coaching:Â Individual and MarriageÂ
Personalized 1:1 guidance rooted in God's Word – because you were created for more.
Partnering with God (Individual): Discover your God-given purpose, build unshakable humble confidence, and step boldly into the life He designed for you – in just 6 sessions.
100% Spouse (Couples): Transition your good marriage into a great, God-honoring one – deeper connection, joyful unity, and intentional growth that glorifies Him together.
With 15+ years as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Christian Coach, I walk alongside you with experience and God's word. Limited spots available!
Forward Path Weekly
Your weekly bridge from podcast inspiration to real-life growth.
Every week you’ll receive:
- The biggest takeaway from the latest episode
- A key Scripture with reflection
- 1–2 simple, grace-filled action steps
- Encouragement to strengthen your faith and marriage
