Melissa grew up in the Chicago Northwest suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois where she began playing the flute at age of nine. in 2006 She earned a bachelor of Music in Music Education from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. There, she studied with Dr. Kyle Dzapo.

While as an undergrad, she was a 2005 Bradley University Concerto/Aria Winner and was awarded the Sword of Honor from the Woman's Music Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. After graduation, Melissa worked as an assistant band director in Maple Grove, IL at Kaneland High School; then in 2007 made the big move up to Madison to teach K-8 general music at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Elementary. She joined the Madsion Flute Club in 2007 and is also active in the Sun Prarie Community Band.