ABOUT
Meet Our Founder
Melinda Croci, B.A., M.A., L.PC., L.A.M.F.T.
After working as a Licensed Professional Counselor in crisis for years, Melinda recognized a heartbreaking pattern she was hearing from clients over and over again…they were not able to find a provider who fit their needs, had availability when they needed it and frustrated with waiting on providers to return phone calls. Melinda felt helpless as there was no good solution to recommend to her clients and dedicated herself to revolutionizing how people access mental health care.
A problem solver by nature, Melinda knew she wanted to help people in their greatest time of need find providers who were available to offer help quickly.
Melinda started pursuing the solution and building HopJax, an online interface that allows people to search & book an intake appointment immediately.
Melinda has her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Ottawa University. Melinda is dually licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and as a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT).
Melinda lives in the Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Russ and her two dogs Jax and Linkin. Melinda has 2 adult children whom she adores and loves to spend time with.
Our Mission
Empowering those in need with those who can help by revolutionizing the process of connecting people with mental health providers
Our Vision
Accelerating access to wellness care for everyone.
Core Values
Guided by our shared values.
Connection
Empowering people with information to make their own choice in wellness
Courage
Having courage to stand up against the stigma of seeking care
Community
Valuing diversity and inclusivity for everyone to be their best self with an unwavering belief that our differences are our strengths.
Challenge
Challenging the barriers of accessing care by accelerating access to wellness
Compassion
Choosing compassion
for ourselves and others along the wellness journey
Why the name HopJax?
Melinda wanted the name to be unique and memorable. Mental health is as important as our physical health. She didn’t want the name to stigmatize/stereotype those looking for mental health care. You don’t need to be in need of help to see a mental health professional. A lot of people see a mental health professional for continued growth.
The name HopJax came up one day after Melinda’s dog Jax was hopping around her other elderly dog, Jameson, trying to get him to get him up to play. The excitement of Jax wanting Jameson to get up and play was the same type of passion Melinda has for encouraging others to grow and this is how HopJax was born. Coincidentally, “Hop” means to move by a quick springy leap and “Jax” means with grace which was a perfect fit for her goal; Helping people quickly spring forward to wellness with grace and dignity by connecting them with a mental health provider.