Mike & Meli & The Growing Space

The Growing Space

Mike and Melissa Deaton are excited to welcome you to The Growing Space in Dayton, VA! Melissa, a licensed professional counselor inspired as a teen by an art teacher, has dreamt of having a space to support teens and families through the use of creative arts. Mike has enjoyed and been involved in facilitating music, creativity, and learning in a variety of ways with all ages. Together, we officially opened The Growing Space in Dayton, VA in 2025. Our desire is to support community through the use of creative and educational activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.

Meet Mike

Mike Deaton is a musician, teaching artist, and expressive arts facilitator with over 25 years of professional experience. He has taught Music and Wellness curriculum at St. Francis University, and brought his own hands-on programs to hundreds of classrooms, nursing homes, places of worship, festivals, workplaces, and more. Mike has dedicated his life to empowering humans through sound, visual arts, movement and creative play.

Meet Meli

Melissa Deaton Cook, LPC, NCC, ACS is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor and Drum Circle Facilitator. She has a love for bright colors, art, music, movement, nature, and travel. She loves to intertwine these themes into her professional work. Melissa loves working with teens. She has worked with struggling youth and families for over 30 years in a variety of ways. Melissa is the sole proprietor of Spiral Roots LLC where she provides trauma informed therapy for children, teens, and families. Melissa is experienced in leading groups, workshops, team building events, and speaking engagements. She is open to possibilities and excited to share her skill sets in inspiring and connecting individuals at The Growing Space in Dayton, VA.