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Meet

OUR TEAM

<img src="cristina.jpg" alt="Cristina Desa, MSN, PMH-CNP, APRN-NP, B.C — founder of Psychiatric Holistic Health in Westford,

Cristina Desa, MSN, PMH-CNP, APRN-NP, B.C

Cristina Desa is a trailblazer in holistic psychiatry and the visionary founder of Psychiatric Holistic Health. She established the first holistic psychiatric center in Middlesex County, laying the groundwork for a new model of mental health care in the Westford area.

 

Educational Excellence & Professional Leadership

Cristina graduated Magna Cum Laude from Regis College and received the prestigious Valedictorian Award from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1999. A leader and educator at heart, Cristina has inspired countless healthcare providers to embrace integrative approaches in psychiatry. Her expertise is frequently sought by universities and colleges to mentor and train the next generation of psychiatric professionals.

 

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Cristina’s practice is rooted in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. She addresses five core dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and intellectual. This comprehensive approach ensures that care plans are tailored to each individual's full spectrum of needs.

 

Family-Centered Philosophy

Cristina understands that mental health is deeply connected to our relationships and environment. Her family-centered model actively involves loved ones in the treatment process, strengthening the support network essential for long-term healing.

Cristina Desa
Founder  & CEO  |  Psychiatric Holistic Health

Vanessa S. DeMelo, BSN, MSN, PMH-CNP, B.C.

<img src="cristina.jpg" alt="Cristina Desa, MSN, PMH-CNP, APRN-NP, B.C — founder of Psychiatric Holistic Health in Westford,
Vanessa S. DeMelo 
  Psychiatric Holistic Health

Vanessa DeMelo is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to compassionate, holistic care. With years of clinical and academic experience, Vanessa brings warmth, insight, and expertise to every patient encounter.

Educational Excellence & Clinical Foundation
Vanessa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Simmons College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis College. Her foundation in psychiatric care was shaped by six formative years at McLean Hospital, where she worked with individuals facing a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Bridging Education & Practice
As an adjunct faculty member at Simmons College, Vanessa teaches both undergraduate and graduate nursing students—mentoring the next generation of psychiatric professionals. Her passion for teaching reflects her belief in the power of education as a tool for healing and empowerment.

A Holistic & Personalized Approach
Vanessa is dedicated to treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Her individualized care plans combine medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and complementary practices such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques. She works collaboratively with patients to build coping strategies and support long-term emotional and psychological well-being.

Compassion at the Core
Vanessa’s empathetic and supportive style fosters a safe, welcoming environment where patients feel heard and understood. Her goal is to guide individuals on their path toward healing, self-discovery, and renewed resilience.

TEAM CERTIFICATIONS

McLean HospitalDepartment of Postgraduate and Continuing Education115 Mill St Belmont, Massachusetts 02478

Massachusetts General Hospital Psychopharmacology

2010-2023- Boston, MA

The Harvard Medical School 

Update in General Internal Medicine for Subspecialties 2013 - Boston, MA

Mclean Hospital and

Mass General Hospital 

The Fundamentals of CBT

2012 - Boston, MA

 

Massachusetts General HospitalDepartment of Psychiatry

Division of Postgraduate Education

One Bowdoin SquareBoston, Massachusetts 02114

Mass General Hospital and

McLean Hospital 

Psychopharmacology 2011

Boston, MA 

<img src="cristina-graduation.jpg" alt="Cristina Desa honored Valedictorian, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing 1999"

Massachusetts General Hospital 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Obssessive Complulsive Disorder 2016 - Boston, MA

The Harvard Medical School 

Update in General Internal Medicine for Subspecialties 2013 - Boston, MA

The Harvard Medical School 

Psychopharmacology 2011 - Boston, MA

Mass General Hospital

and McLean Hospital 

Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology

2012 - Boston, MA 

American Nurses Credentialing Center

Renewed every five years 

Adult with ADHD receiving holistic therapy and mindfulness coaching

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