My Story

About Me

Hi, I’m Melissa Arnone, and I help athletes, professionals, and performers sharpen their mental skills, build unshakable confidence, and perform at their absolute best.

As a mental performance consultant (provisional) and competitive gymnastics coach, I bring over 17 years of experience working with athletes of all levels — from young beginners to season competitors. I’ve coached individuals from age 4 to 50+, helping them overcome mental barriers, develop resilience, and unlock their full potential. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone step into their power — whether it’s sticking a landing, nailing an audition, or thriving under pressure.

Sports have shaped my life. From gymnastics and karate to cheerleading and rugby, I have experienced firsthand the mental highs and lows of competition as an individual and team competitor. I know what it’s like to battle self-doubt, push through the pressure and anxiety, and chase excellence. And I also know the game-changing impact of mental performance training. Seeing how mindset can make or break performance fuelled my passion for helping others master the mental side of their game — because talent alone isn’t enough.

Are you ready to take control of your mindset and elevate your performance?

〰️

Are you ready to take control of your mindset and elevate your performance? 〰️

My Philosophy

My philosophy focuses on a client-centred and strength-based approach and fosters a safe and supportive environment for the individual and/or team. The use of a non-judgmental approach is an important part of creating a space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of being criticized or judged. By recognizing and building on the client's existing strengths, they develop a more positive and empowered mindset that leads to greater confidence and resilience, which is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. Overall, I have found this approach to be very effective in helping clients feel heard, validated and supported.

My Coaching & Consulting Experience

Through 17 years of coaching, I’ve worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels —from young beginners taking their first steps in competitive sport to seasoned competitors striving for peak performance or retired athletes looking to get back into competition as masters. Coaching both recreational and high performing gymnasts has given me a deep understanding of the unique mental challenges athletes face —whether it’s performing under pressure, managing fear of injury, or pushing through mental blocks and frustration.

My background in applied sport psychology and coaching allows me to bridge the gap between mental training and performance execution. With a master’s degree in applied sport psychology from the University of Ottawa, I specialize in the mental factors that influence success, equipping athletes with proven strategies to build resilience, stay focused, and perform at their best when it matters most.

This blend of education, experience, and passion makes me a trusted resource for athletes, performers, and professionals who want to take control of their mindset and elevate their performance—whether they’re just starting out or competing at the highest level.

Mental Performance Consulting Experience

College athletics

  • Providing mental performance consulting for collegiate basketball and volleyball teams, supporting athletes in developing focus, confidence, and resilience under pressure.

  • Supervising and mentoring student mental performance consultants through annual internships, fostering hands-on learning and professional growth.

  • Collaborating with athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, the athletic coordinator, and the athletic director to integrate mental performance strategies into training, competition, and overall team culture.

  • Traveled with a college women’s volleyball team to Brazil, providing mental performance support as they competed in exhibition games to enhance their experience and development.

  • Leading the development of a comprehensive mental performance framework for the college’s athletic program to enhance long-term athlete development.

  • Developing and implementing assessment tools, including questionnaires and surveys, to track athletes’ mental performance progress and measure program effectiveness.

Ringette

  • Designed and delivered specialized mental performance workshops for a university ringette team, enhancing athletes’ psychological resilience and competitive mindset.

  • Conducted tailored workshops for multiple teams within a ringette club, focusing on mental skills training and performance optimization.

Internship

  • Provided sessions to athletes across various individual and team sports, including alpine skiing, artistic swimming, cross-country skiing, gymnastics, hockey, and volleyball.

  • Supported students and performers, including dancers and musicians, in developing mental skills to enhance focus, confidence, and performance under pressure.

  • Delivered virtual workshops and one-on-one mental performance sessions for firefighters, helping them build resilience and mental readiness for high-pressure situations.

Education & Certification

Competition 3 (Development)
Trained – Gymnastics

Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA), apprentice member

Mental Health First Aid certification from the Mental Health Commission of Canada

Masters in Human Kinetics: Concentration in Intervention and Consultation

Bachelor of Science - Honour Integrated Science - Concentration in Forensics

Accreditations

  • Gymnastique Québec - Camp Jeune Élite (2023-2024)

  • NCCP Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Competition 3 - Trained (2023)

  • NCCP Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Competition 2 - Certified (2022)

  • NCCP Trampoline Competition 1 - Certified (2019)

  • NCCP - Rule of Two (2022)

  • NCCP - Safe Sport Training (2022)

  • Coaching Clinic at Great American Gymnastics Express (GAGE) - Kansas City (2018)

Athletic History

  • 2023 OSEG Redblacks Women’s Training Camp

  • 2023 Power Monkey Fitness Camp - Tennessee

  • 2022 OSEG Redblacks Women’s Training Camp

  • 2014 Reebok Spartan Race

  • 2012 Ottawa Race Weekend: ½ Marathon

  • 2012 Army Run: ½ Marathon

  • 2011 Ottawa Race Weekend: ½ Marathon

  • 2011 Army Run: ½ Marathon

  • 2011 Montreal Oasis Marathon: 10km

  • Individual sports: Gymnastics, Rock Climbing, Martial Arts (Karate, Muy Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)

  • Team sports: Rugby, Cheerleading, Football, Soccer