Melissa grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia and p layed soccer for Indian River HS in Chesapeake, as well as for Chesapeake Select Soccer Club.

Melissa attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Majored in Public Relations, Minored in Marketing.

She began working as in intern for the Virginia Beach Mariners (USL-1) in early 2005; promoted to Event Manager by the end of that year and then to Director of Operations in 2006 and then moved to Baltimore in April 2007 to take job with Crystal Palace USA.   

"Received the 2007 USL-2 Key Grip Award.  The Key Grip Award recognizes one team executive from the league who excels at his or her duties behind the scenes to make the organization operate at its highest potential."