Mekdes Yilma-Parker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist with over 14 years of experience working as part of multidisciplinary teams supporting children, adults, and families through a variety of clinical and therapeutic roles. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Certificate in Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art from California State University, Channel Islands.
As the Rehabilitation Services Supervisor at BHC Fresno, Mekdes oversees the organization’s Rehabilitation Services programs, including the Functional Restoration Program (FRP), the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program, and the Trauma Recovery Program (TRP). In her role, she ensures clinical quality, program development, and interdisciplinary coordination to support patients in achieving meaningful treatment outcomes. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Mekdes provides individual pain-management psychotherapy to patients within the workers’ compensation system of care. She also facilitates Art Therapy groups in both the FRP, TBI, and TRP programs, integrating creative, evidence-based interventions to help patients improve emotional regulation, cope with pain, and build resilience.
Grounded in compassion, collaboration, and the healing power of creative expression, Mekdes is dedicated to helping individuals restore function, reclaim their lives, and move forward with confidence.
Outside of her professional work, Mekdes enjoys traveling with her husband, creating ceramic pottery, and spending time with their two dogs.