Melissa Joy Benton | Storyteller & Professor

Melissa Joy Benton is an educator committed to providing frameworks and tools to empower students to achieve their personal and professional goals through communication. She fosters a learning environment that is engaging and inclusive to support students to take risks, find strength in their vulnerability, and strive to share their story in powerful ways. Melissa challenges and nurtures students by framing curriculum and the classroom experience to meet students on their own personal path toward a deeper understanding of communication principles and greater confidence in communication skills. Melissa Joy Benton is an accomplished storyteller that uses communication skills to build meaningful connections and builds community in innovative ways. Through the use of technology, social media, and online learning tools in unique ways, she engages students with different learning and communication styles inside and out of the classroom. Melissa believes that every student can succeed.

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JoyLife Services

Coaching, Curriculum Design & Training Services

Inclusive Learning, Storytelling, Mentoring. Empowerment, Respect, Acceptance, Challanges, Eduction

Coaching,
Curriculum Design & Training Services

Welcome to Melissa’s expert coaching and training services! Whether you're looking to enhance your communication skills, develop a high-impact curriculum, or receive tailored professional training, Melissa is here to help. With years of experience in education, research consulting, and program development, she transforms learning into real-world success.

Book a Free Consultation Today!

ABOUT

SPECIALTIES

✔ One-on-One & Group Coaching
✔ Curriculum & Training Program Development
✔ Professional Development Workshops
✔ Research & Communication Consulting

INCLUSIVE LEARNING

Melissa believes that each classroom needs to be an equitable community. She empowers her students through democratic teaching approaches that are grounded in learning and respecting the experiences within each community. Throughout her career, Melissa has built inclusive learning communities by:

Designing creative approaches to learning

through democratic and collaborative teaching styles

Leveraging learning opportunities

that blend multiple academic and co-curricular experiences

Integrating web-enhancements

To engage students in and outside of the classroom

Designing creative approaches to learning through democratic and collaborative teaching styles. Leveraging learning opportunities that blend multiple academic and co-curriculuar experiences. Intergrating web-enhancements in order to engage students in and outside of the classroom.

STORYTELLING

FOR GROWTH

Melissa believes that each student has a unique personal and professional journey and she supports her students in sharing their own experiences. By helping her students articulate their accomplishments, goals, and visions for their future in compelling ways, she helps students foster meaningful connections and attain valuable opportunities. She has helped her students find growth through storytelling by:

Teaching crucial interpersonal communication skills

for their future work with a diverse range of clients, partners, and colleagues

Incorporating forensics and debate experiences

and learning models to strengthen students as advocates

Inspiring students in pathways to concinue their education. Supporting students to attain internships, scholarships, and awards. Built programs that allow students to successfully participate in public speaking and debate competitions.

ABOUT MELISSA

Like many of my students and clients, I once struggled with being a confident communicator. Determined to improve my communication skills, I embarked on an academic journey to master communication across disciplines, from humanities and arts to STEM fields. My research focuses on enhancing nonverbal communication and cognitive behavior coaching to strengthen connections between students, academics, and business professionals.

My academic journey led me to earn a Doctorate in Educational Practices with an emphasis on STEM. Now, I serve as a traveling professor, communication trainer, and trauma coach. I teach at Webster University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and St. Charles Community College, and I work as a writing and speaking tutor at St. Louis Community College. And that’s just a few—let’s chat sometime, and I’ll share more!

Beyond teaching, I specialize in curriculum design and the development and implementation of training programs for professionals, volunteers, and interns. My work includes creating structured learning experiences that bridge communication gaps in academic, corporate, and community settings.

I love what I do—it’s not just work; it’s my purpose. I encourage students to find their passion so that their work feels fulfilling rather than obligatory. Of course, I also prioritize work/life balance! You might find me dancing, singing, acting, writing, reading, enjoying the outdoors, binge-watching series and documentaries, shopping, or spending time with my two kiddos, two cats, and a wonderful circle of friends.

One of my favorite shows is Stranger Things, and this quote perfectly sums up how many of my students and clients see me:

"She’s our friend, and she’s crazy." —Dustin, Stranger Things

EXPERIENCE

STORYTELLING/MENTORING