Melissa Kalil is a Chicago-based divorce and co-parenting coach who supports people through one of life’s most disorienting transitions. She works with separating parents and individuals who want steady guidance, practical tools, and a clearer way forward without adding more conflict to the process.
Her approach blends empathy with structure. She focuses on communication, decision-making, stress management, organization, and child-centered co-parenting, helping clients stay grounded while handling the legal and emotional demands of divorce. Melissa’s work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience, which gives her coaching a direct, compassionate, real-world feel.
Clients often turn to her when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or worn down by conflict. She helps them move with more confidence, protect their relationship with their children, and build a life that feels steadier after divorce.
Background & Training
Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) / Certified
International Coaching Federation / Associate Certified Coach
Mental Health Academy / Evidence-Based Parenting Certified
Offerings
Divorce Coaching: The Lens
60 minutes / In person & virtual
One focused session for perspective, clarity, organization, or a tough divorce-related decision.
Divorce Coaching: The Magnifier
Four 60 minute sessions / In person & virtual
Four-session package for deeper support with divorce challenges, skill-building, planning, and getting unstuck.
Divorce Coaching: The Expander
Eight 60 minute sessions / In person & virtual
Eight-session package for ongoing support through divorce or life after divorce, including negotiations, budgeting, and bigger decisions.
Co-parent Coaching: The Lens
60 minutes / In person & virtual
One focused session for a specific co-parenting challenge such as conflict, boundaries, communication, or child-centered decisions.
Co-parent Coaching: The Magnifier
Four 60 minute sessions / In person & virtual
Four-session package for deeper co-parenting problem-solving, including high-conflict dynamics, boundaries, and parenting plans.
Co-parent Coaching: The Expander
Eight 60 minute sessions / In person & virtual
Eight-session package for continuous co-parenting support around transitions, inconsistency across homes, parenting style differences, and plan reviews.
I Can Help If You're Navigating
Divorce & Co-Parenting
Post-Divorce Rebuilding
Communication & Conflict
Anxiety & Overwhelm
Stress Management
Heartbreak & Breakups
Family Dynamics & Boundaries
Grief & Loss
Feeling Stuck or Lost
Romantic Relationship Struggles
Self-Worth & Confidence
Limiting Beliefs & Self-Sabotage
Childhood Trauma
Reviews & Testimonials
“It’s such a blessing to have found Melissa during such a tumultuous time in my life: baby during a pandemic and imaginable stressors in my marriage. I came to Melissa with so much anger and so ready to call it quits with my husband. Our weekly sessions have helped me build better...” “It’s such a blessing to have found Melissa during such a tumultuous time in my life: baby during a pandemic and imaginable stressors in my marriage. I came to Melissa with so much anger and so ready to call it quits with my husband. Our weekly sessions have helped me build better clarity and understanding of different “formulas” to work things through in a more constructive way. This is still an ongoing process but I can say that my work with Melissa has allowed me to build back “hope.” Hope that there is a better way forward regardless of my decision. With Melissa’s guidance, I am doing the work needed to build a better story. Also having someone neutral and a subject matter expert on your team truly helps you not act in your own detriment. Thank you Melissa.”
F. J.From website
“My friend knew I wanted to get a divorce and suggested a divorce coach. Utilizing Melissa’s services was a lifesaver as she guided me through fears of the unknown during this process. She helped me control my stress levels and suggested various methods to reduce the physical and ...” “My friend knew I wanted to get a divorce and suggested a divorce coach. Utilizing Melissa’s services was a lifesaver as she guided me through fears of the unknown during this process. She helped me control my stress levels and suggested various methods to reduce the physical and mental toll stress places on your body and mind. Knowing that you have an expert in your corner reduces your anxiety and frustrations. When you hire Melissa, you also have a wonderful network of attorneys as well as other professional services. My teen girls are currently seeing a referral of Melissa’s. If you need a true listener and critical thinker, I highly recommend Melissa!!”
Kim K.From website
“As I was dealing with the emotional trauma of divorce, my spouse seemed to be one step ahead in the process and I felt like I was struggling to keep up and make sure I was looking out for my best interests while simultaneously processing my feelings. Melissa took great care in he...” “As I was dealing with the emotional trauma of divorce, my spouse seemed to be one step ahead in the process and I felt like I was struggling to keep up and make sure I was looking out for my best interests while simultaneously processing my feelings. Melissa took great care in helping me see how much I was beating myself up and getting in my own way towards healing and reaching for my post-divorce goals. She not only coached me through the divorce process itself, but she ended up proving to me that I've had the strength all along to reach for possibilities that I thought would be way too hard to achieve in my emotional state. After my sessions with Melissa, I am more able to move forward with this divorce and see it as a gift. I am more confident that I am moving forward into the greatest possible version of myself and I could not have done it without her support.”
Chelsea C.From website
“I am currently going through a high conflict divorce. I have two young children. My divorce has been abundantly difficult, but after working with Melissa I know that in time all will work out and be even better than before. I received Melissa's name from a very good friend of min...” “I am currently going through a high conflict divorce. I have two young children. My divorce has been abundantly difficult, but after working with Melissa I know that in time all will work out and be even better than before. I received Melissa's name from a very good friend of mine and she has been an essential part of my rebuilding and recovery process. Having gone through a difficult divorce herself, she is able to speak from a place of truth, knowledge, and experience. It feels amazing to be heard and validated, especially in a time of utmost uncertainty. Melissa listens, she is resourceful, insightful and above all accessible both personally and professionally. I am so grateful that I have her in my corner to help lend perspective and put all the pieces back together again.”
Paula M.From website
“Melissa’s approach was so helpful for me. She allowed a teeny bit of complaining, and was compassionate but also firm. She really cut through the fog to help me see the reality of my failed marriage and get over my insane longing for something that didn’t ever even exist…Melissa ...” “Melissa’s approach was so helpful for me. She allowed a teeny bit of complaining, and was compassionate but also firm. She really cut through the fog to help me see the reality of my failed marriage and get over my insane longing for something that didn’t ever even exist…Melissa was crucial in regaining myself and looking toward a rich future instead of an empty past.”
Carrie C.From website
“Going through a divorce is such an emotionally turbulent experience that having someone there to help you navigate through it is extremely helpful. Melissa has been such a blessing to me through my own divorce. Countless times I’ve struggled with the divorce process and Melissa h...” “Going through a divorce is such an emotionally turbulent experience that having someone there to help you navigate through it is extremely helpful. Melissa has been such a blessing to me through my own divorce. Countless times I’ve struggled with the divorce process and Melissa has been there to help me identify healthy strategies to cope with the whole experience. A few times I have been struggling emotionally and she has been there, even to have a quick call, to help me through it. Melissa is very personable and relatable which has made working with her a delight. I would highly recommend anyone struggling through their divorce to reach out to Melissa to help guide you through your own experience.”
Sariah M.From website
“You won’t regret it! It really is invaluable to have someone walk next to you that has been there before. Divorce and co-parenting are whole different worlds and it is great to get guidance from someone living the same reality as you. The questions and situations that come up dur...” “You won’t regret it! It really is invaluable to have someone walk next to you that has been there before. Divorce and co-parenting are whole different worlds and it is great to get guidance from someone living the same reality as you. The questions and situations that come up during divorce are unique to someone that has been through it before. You aren’t going to get the same support from friends and family.”
Ellen S.From website
“After my divorce, there was a lot of instability in my life. While I thought my family would be my support system, they ended up supporting my ex. They were not available, nor were they willing to help me through one of the most difficult times of my life. Although I have grieved...” “After my divorce, there was a lot of instability in my life. While I thought my family would be my support system, they ended up supporting my ex. They were not available, nor were they willing to help me through one of the most difficult times of my life. Although I have grieved the divorce, I'm still trying to work through being neglected by those that were closest to me. During my sessions with Melissa, I have learned to create boundaries to protect myself from those that were not supportive; and journaling exercises to reflect on trigger points and how to appropriately react. Coaching with Melissa really gave me the strategies to cope, grow and move forward through the most difficult period of my life. Thanks, Melissa!”
Rebecca W.From website
“I am grateful to have found Melissa so early in the divorce process, so that she can help me develop healthy mind and body habits before I turn to damaging habits if left on my own. Through our weekly zoom sessions, Melissa helps me redirect my negative thoughts into more product...” “I am grateful to have found Melissa so early in the divorce process, so that she can help me develop healthy mind and body habits before I turn to damaging habits if left on my own. Through our weekly zoom sessions, Melissa helps me redirect my negative thoughts into more productive ones. I leave each session feeling "lighter" and with action steps to tackle the biggest challenges of the week ahead. I was able to cut back on expensive professionals, as I am making the most progress with Melissa. Essentially, she is my anchor as I work to redefine myself in this new life and to see the endless potential that exists for me.”
Michelle G.From website
“I am very pleased with the services provided by Melissa Kalil Coaching. Melissa asks very thought provoking questions to help me and also provides tools and practice exercises to help me navigate through everyday life scenarios. I would recommend Melissa to anyone!”
Andy K.From website
“Melissa was instrumental in helping me turn a very nasty divorce into an amicable one. She helped me emotionally and also provided great advice/strategies that were extremely useful with my ex wife. Her coaching is worth every penny.”
"It’s such a blessing to have found Melissa during such a tumultuous time in my life: baby during a pandemic and imaginable stressors in my marriage. I came to M..."
F. J.
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