Melissa has lived in Mesa, Arizona for nearly 40 years. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Melissa was a paralegal for 14 years in Mesa and Phoenix.  She has extensive experience in civil litigation, particularly insurance defense, medical malpractice and personal injury.  

During law school she was a law clerk at a Phoenix Law firm working in the areas of personal injury and commercial litigation.  She was also a legal extern at Legal Aid of Arizona working primarily in landlord/tenant disputes.   

Melissa was a board member of Mesa Community Action Network from 1997 through 2006  of which she served two years as President.  Other volunteer activities include Past Board Member, Friends of the Mesa Public Library and Stepping Stones Mentoring Youth at Risk.  Melissa is an active member and serves on the Board of  Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.

Education:
Phoenix School of Law, J.D.
Ottawa University BA, Public Administration