About Anchor & Ascend Institute
Brit Watson (She/Her)
MPH, MCPM, PCCP, PMP
Brit is a strategist, educator, and systems thinker with over 15 years of experience leading large-scale transformation, learning design, and change initiatives across healthcare, government, and mission-driven sectors.
As Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Anchor & Ascend Institute, she brings her background in public health, project management, and organizational leadership into every program and partnership.
With a dedicated commitment to supporting professionals through moments of transition and reinvention, Brit blends the disciplines of psychology, change theory, and business strategy to create spaces where personal values, confidence, and growth can flourish.
At Anchor & Ascend, Brit leads the strategic design and delivery of workshops, professional development, and reintegration programs that help individuals reconnect with their purpose and support organizations in building inclusive, resilient cultures.
Melisse Dedobbeleer(She/Her/They/Them)
B.Sc., M.S.W. , RP, RSW, RMFT-S
Melisse is a seasoned psychotherapist, clinical social worker, and leadership advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, teams, and organizations through change. As Co-Founder and Director of Clinical Services at Anchor & Ascend Institute, she brings her clinical insight, trauma-informed approach, and expertise in workplace mental health to the heart of every offering.
Melisse specializes in burnout prevention, reintegration after leave, and psychological safety in professional environments. She has worked across healthcare, education, and social service sectors, helping individuals reclaim their confidence and helping organizations build healthier, more supportive cultures.
At Anchor & Ascend, Melisse co-designs programming that blends clinical care, human development theory, and real-world leadership challenges to support professionals return to work with strength, and renewed purpose.
Our Vision
Anchor & Ascend Institute supports women and feminine-aligned professionals through career transitions, return-to-work experiences, and leadership development.
Co-founded by Brit Watson and Melisse Dedobbeleer, the institute blends psychology, neuroscience, and strategic design to deliver transformative reintegration programs, coaching, and workshops. We help individuals reconnect with their purpose and organizations build more inclusive, resilient cultures.
Our Team
At Anchor & Ascend, we work alongside a network of subject matter experts and experienced professionals to build and deliver our curriculum. Our collaborators include leaders in academic research, business strategy, legal practice, clinical care, occupational therapy, human resources, and organizational development. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that our programs are not only grounded in evidence and real-world application, but also responsive to the complex, diverse needs of the individuals and organizations we serve. By drawing on expertise across sectors, we create holistic, impactful experiences that support lasting growth, reintegration, and leadership evolution.