Melissa grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended John Carroll University where she earned a degree in Political Science followed by a Master’s Degree in International Relations at King’s College London. After graduating, Melissa worked as a student advisor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Melissa later taught third grade in the Bronx through Teach for America while also earning a Master’s Degree in Teaching at the Relay Graduate School of Education. She continued to work with third and fourth grade students in the Bronx and Cleveland for nearly ten years. Most recently, she worked as a preschool director at The Goddard School in Beachwood. Outside of teaching, Melissa enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her two young children.