Melissa is a Washington State native, born in Everett and raised in Aberdeen, hometown of grunge artist Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. She has lived in five of the Northwestern states, favoring California for its climate. She enjoys a range of music, has attempted many instruments herself, loves the outdoors, and reading. She enjoys hiking and mountain biking, and has climbed Half Dome at Yosemite twice, with the hopes to conquer it again soon! Her other passions include physical fitness and competing in triathlons and marathons. She received her BA in Psychology, at Notre Dame de Namur.