Empowering the Voiceless: Dr. Mel Baker’s Mission to Reclaim Personal Journeys Through Living Expressions
Dr. Mel Baker’s life journey is one of profound transformation. From a childhood marred by trauma and homelessness to a career that spans the Royal Australian Navy, police chaplaincy, adult education, and filmmaking, she has relentlessly pursued one central mission: to offer hope to the hopeless and to be a voice to the voiceless. In 2020, this mission culminated in the creation of Living Expressions, a global initiative designed to empower individuals, particularly women, by celebrating their personal journeys and triumphs over adversity. The award-winning platform amplifies voices and offers a safe space for storytelling, connecting people from all walks of life. With a website, publication, global events, podcast, and films, the initiative provides a holistic, community-driven approach to mental wellbeing, education, and empowerment. For Dr. Baker, this work is more than a career—it is the culmination of years of personal struggle, growth, and dedication to helping others heal.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
It’s impossible to tell the story of Living Expressions without first understanding Dr. Baker’s deep sense of purpose. As a young woman, she was on the brink of ending her life, caught in the grips of childhood abuse, homelessness, and a world that seemed indifferent to her suffering. But hope, as it often does, arrived in an unexpected form—a friend who reached out when she felt completely alone. “At 17, I decided I wanted my life to have meaning,” Dr. Baker says, her voice resolute. “I want to offer hope to others who are struggling, to show them that even in the darkest moments, transformation is possible.”
That decision became the bedrock for everything Dr. Baker would do in her professional life. From her early work in adult education to her time as an international speaker and police chaplain, she has consistently sought to uplift others. In 2015, she founded Unchain Your Wellbeing, a consultancy that provides mental health support for individuals and organizations. Yet, it wasn’t until the global pandemic hit in 2020 that her vision for Living Expressions truly took shape. “The idea came to me before the pandemic, but COVID-19 accelerated its urgency,” Dr. Baker explains. “People were isolated, disconnected, and struggling more than ever. I knew I had to create a space where they could feel seen and heard.” And so, Living Expressions was born—a platform that empowers individuals to share their personal stories in whatever form feels right for them, whether through writing, art, film, or even spoken word.
A Platform for Resilience
At its core, Living Expressions is more than just a storytelling platform; it is a sanctuary for those looking to reclaim their narratives and find strength in vulnerability. While many online spaces prioritize clicks and likes, Dr. Baker is adamant about fostering a community of safety and support. “Our mission is to empower each other,” she says. “We’ve created a space where stories are valued and held with respect, not for sensationalism or profit, but because every voice has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. We stand in solidarity with each other through our shared experiences of struggle and triumph. Additionally, Living Expressions is free to use, making it accessible to everyone.”
Dr. Baker’s leadership and vision are evident in the holistic approach that Living Expressions takes toward mental health, education, and well-being. As a survivor of trauma herself, she understands the importance of creating a safe, nurturing environment where people can heal, learn, and grow. One of the platform’s standout initiatives is the Living Voices global events, which aim to bring together diverse stories and voices in immersive, interactive experiences. These events are designed to foster connection and community, whether in person or virtually, and feature a range of artistic expressions. “The idea is to create an experience that feels like nothing else,” Dr. Baker says with excitement. “We want people to walk away feeling that they’ve not only shared their stories but have also connected with others in a meaningful way.” This sense of community and shared experience is integral to the success of Living Expressions. “The power of storytelling is that it connects us,” Dr. Baker explains. “When people realize they are not alone, it can change everything. The act of sharing is itself a form of healing.”
A Leader Who Defies Convention
Dr. Baker’s leadership style is as unconventional as the journey that brought her to this point. As a woman in male-dominated fields like the Navy, police service, and education, she has faced countless obstacles. But instead of submitting to them, she has used her experiences to shape her leadership philosophy, which is rooted in servant leadership—an approach that prioritizes the needs of others and focuses on building people up. “In many of the roles I’ve held, I’ve been the only woman in the room,” she shares. “But I’ve never let that define me. I’ve always believed that leadership is about seeing the potential in others, regardless of gender, background, or position. It’s about creating spaces where people can thrive and feel heard.”
Dr. Baker’s commitment to empowering others is also reflected in the way she mentors and engages with her team. “I lead from the ground up, not the top down,” she explains. “I build relationships with the people I work with, because when they succeed, we all succeed. The most rewarding part of my work is seeing others shine and step into their own power.” Her leadership philosophy has not only shaped the success of Living Expressions but has also made her a respected figure in the worlds of education, mental health, and filmmaking. “I defy convention,” she says with a smile. “And I encourage others to do the same.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Building Living Expressions has not come without its challenges. Dr. Baker’s time is divided between writing books, producing films, running her consultancy, and managing the growing initiatives of Living Expressions. Finding balance is a constant challenge, but Dr. Baker credits mindfulness and staying grounded in the present moment as key to managing the demands of her work. “Living in the present moment is what keeps me grounded,” she says. “It allows me to stay focused on what I can do today, rather than getting overwhelmed by everything I still need to accomplish.” The first book on her life story trilogy, Sleeping Under the Bridge, is now out, with the next two books in development. “As a non-fiction writer, I love reading both fiction and non-fiction books,” she shares. “My main sources of inspiration come from the writings of Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Eckhart Tolle, the Dalai Lama, Dr. Paul Ekman, Lao Tzu, Rumi, and the Bible. These works have influenced my thinking and creativity over the years.” Dr. Baker is also developing feature films based on her personal experiences to inspire and empower individuals facing challenges. Her award-winning short film, Say My Name, which has garnered over 90 international film awards, was recently released and will be available on the Living Expressions website.
Dr. Baker also creates innovative resources for trauma healing, such as the Wellbeing Roadmap Board Game and the Integrated Risk Analysis for Assistance Dog Organisations, which pairs PTSD service dogs with veterans and first responders. Additionally, she is working on a Trauma Alleviation Project aimed at helping individuals regain better health by alleviating trauma and hypervigilance caused by PTSD. “Now more than ever, with mental health disorders on the rise and social media platforms that are unsafe for both youth and adults, we are seeing increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and scams. People live in fear, and the massive amount of information available online makes it difficult to discern truth from fiction. In our fast-paced society, people are glued to their devices, unable to be present in the moment. This has led to an inability to slow down and enjoy activities like reading a book, which is essential for mental wellbeing. These issues impact not only individuals internally but also education and learning,” shares Dr. Baker explaining the importance of Living Expressions as a platform. “Understanding each generation is also crucial. It’s not about “keeping up the pace”, but rather about learning from each other and opening our views to understand our needs and priorities. We need to find ways to incorporate our differences and celebrate our milestones and personal journeys, as we are all unique. This sometimes means “hanging out” in the places the younger generation frequents to understand their world from their perspective. While technology and the world are always changing, the essence of humanity remains the same – we need community. We must continue to find ways to build each other up rather than tear down or judge others. Unfortunately, society has lost the art of real community. COVID-19 made all generations aware of the importance of community, but the current pace and stress of life seem to have overtaken this awareness again.”
Dr. Baker is focused on the future, with plans to expand the platform through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which will offer immersive, interactive experiences for participants. AI-driven tools will also play a role in curating content and ensuring the safety of the platform, aligning with Dr. Baker’s mission to create a secure space for everyone. Looking ahead, she is excited about the potential of Living Expressions to continue inspiring change, particularly for women across the globe. “I want to create events and experiences that empower women to embrace their stories and their strength,” she says. “I want to see a global movement of women reclaiming their narratives and supporting each other.” As for her, the journey has always been about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving, and helping others do the same. “The work I do is my legacy,” she says, her voice filled with conviction. “And I want that legacy to be one of hope, of courage, and of the belief that no matter where we come from, we all have the power to change our lives and make a difference in the world.”
Written by Cayde, PerceptivX magazine
