Melissa has been a Veterinary Assistant with VCA Dover Animal Hospital for 8 years. Having had an interest in Veterinary and Biological Sciences for a long time, Melissa received her bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Washington College in 2012. Melissa started her working life as a kennel assistant during her high school years in 2006 and became a veterinary assistant in 2012 after graduation from Washington College. She lives in Smyrna, DE, with her husband, Ernest, daughter, Charlotte, and their Jack Russell Terrier Amelia, Mia. As a family they enjoy getting out for walks and exploring new places. Their favorite place to spend time as a family is at Cape Henlopen State Park because of their many hiking trails and access to the beach. Her personal hobbies include running and photography. She has completed 5 half marathons and ran the full marathon at Disney world in 2017. As a new mom during the pandemic it has been hard for her to get back into her hobbies, but she hopes to be able to get back out doing what she loves this fall.

"I love veterinary medicine because I enjoy being an advocate for those that don't have the ability to tell us what is wrong. It brings me great joy to be able to educate pet parents on things that will keep their pets healthy so they can enjoy a long, happy life together."