1. Melissa Tuchman is the treasurer for Kaplan University’s Psi Chi Honor Society chapter. In
addition to the Psi Chi Honor Society, she is a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society.
Melissa received her Associate and Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development
degrees from Kaplan University. She is a KU graduate student working towards her Master of
Science in General Psychology degree on the graduate thesis track. After earning her master’s
degree, Melissa plans to continue her education with the ambition of earning her doctoral
degree. Melissa’s goals include becoming a clinical psychologist, building a private practice, and
specializing in child psychology. Melissa suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness
that affects her central nervous system. She endures many symptoms of MS, including the
inability to walk, intense anxiety and panic attacks, and difficulty swallowing. Melissa continues
to persevere through physical and mental adversity while pursuing her dreams. She serves as
an example to people who suffer a chronic illness that anything is possible. Melissa advocates
for MS patients, for the mental health and well-being of children, and for anyone who struggles
in life. Melissa lives by the words of former United States President Theodore Roosevelt who
said, “Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort.”