Brighter Pathways © 2009
1237 E. Livingston Street, Suite B
Orlando, FL 32803-5401
Ph: 407-895-0540 ~ Fax: (407) 228-9771
Licenses: SS00305 ~ MH02676 ~ PCE-9
Dr. Charlene Messenger obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1984. She currently holds licenses as a school psychologist and a mental therapist. She has been a classroom teacher, then worked for 14 years providing psychological services in elementary, secondary and exceptional education schools in central Florida. In 1989, she was named "Psychologist of the Year" by the Orange County Association of Counseling and development, and in 1984 received an "Award of Recognition" from the Florida Association of School Psychologists.
In May 1991, Dr. Messenger began her independent practice in Orlando, Florida by opening Brighter Pathways, Inc. Her office specializes in assessment and intervention for children and their families. Dr. Messenger has continued to expand her practice as an expert consultant to various institutions, including Walt Disney World and the Center for Drug Free Living. Dr. Messenger taught as an adjunct professor at Valencia Community College and worked as a consultant to the Juvenile Detention Center.
During the 1989-90 school year, Dr. Messenger wrote a series of articles for a local parenting newsletter, "Growing Up in Central Florida". Originally titled "How to Make Your Child a Winner", the author used the articles as a basis for numerous workshops for a variety of audiences, including PTAs, HRS groups, religious associations, and parenting groups for exceptional children (i.e., those with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). In 1992, the first edition of The Third Little Pig, a book about building resiliency in children, was published. The information, over the years, has been revised and expanded as the author has grown wiser as both a parent and a professional.
Of all her accomplishments, Dr. Messenger believes the creating of a new life -- her daughter, Larie, born in 1985 -- remains the highlight of her life. Because of a fortunate series of events motherhood was able to take priority. She was blessed with almost a year of full-time maternity leave, followed by several years of half-time employment as a school psychologist. During those early years especially, she experienced both the inspiration and vulnerability of helping to shape a new life.
Perhaps just as importantly, Dr. Messenger remembers her own childhood. She still holds a childlike wonder and awe in her outlook. (There are those who would argue she never really grew up). Yet she is also one of those individuals who rose above adversity in childhood to become strong. It is a firsthand knowledge of childhood pain and resiliency which helps her guide others in their own healing process.
During the 1989-90 school year, Dr. Messenger wrote a series of articles for a local parenting newsletter, "Growing Up in Central Florida". Originally titled "How to Make Your Child a Winner", the author used the articles as a basis for numerous workshops for a variety of audiences, including PTAs, HRS groups, religious associations, and parenting groups for exceptional children (i.e., those with Learning Disabilities or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). In 1992, the first edition of The Third Little Pig, a book about building resiliency in children, was published. The information, over the years, has been revised and expanded as the author has grown wiser as both a parent and a professional.
Of all her accomplishments, Dr. Messenger believes the creating of a new life -- her daughter, Larie, born in 1985 -- remains the highlight of her life. Because of a fortunate series of events motherhood was able to take priority. She was blessed with almost a year of full-time maternity leave, followed by several years of half-time employment as a school psychologist. During those early years especially, she experienced both the inspiration and vulnerability of helping to shape a new life.
Perhaps just as importantly, Dr. Messenger remembers her own childhood. She still holds a childlike wonder and awe in her outlook. (There are those who would argue she never really grew up). Yet she is also one of those individuals who rose above adversity in childhood to become strong. It is a firsthand knowledge of childhood pain and resiliency which helps her guide others in their own healing process.
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