Melissa was born in Illinois and raised in Washington County, Indiana. After 15 years in the production industry, Melissa embarked on a new career path in 2008 starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After experiencing the rewards of being a C.N.A., Melissa enrolled at Galen College of Nursing and completed the PN program in 2011 and the RN program in 2012. In 2014, Melissa completed the BSN online program at Grand Canyon University. In 2017, Melissa completed the dual Master’s program at University of Phoenix with a MSN and MBA with focus in Healthcare Management.
Melissa spent 10 years in long-term care and skilled nursing with Trilogy Health, progressively advancing from C.N.A. to Director of Health Services. While completing the Master’s program, Melissa also taught clinical at Ivy Tech Community College in the PN program while finding her passion for teaching and guiding others. In 2019, she moved to the Professional Development Coordinator role at Southern Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital. In 2021, Melissa went back into the leadership role full-time as the Chief Nursing Officer at SIRH until 2025.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and husband of 30 years, crafting, painting, and “glamping” in the RV. She also enjoys word puzzles, games, movies, and taking road trips.