Melissa is ecstatically and very happily married to her husband, Chuck and resides with him in a far away place in the middle of nowhere, with deer and coyotes as their nearest neighbors. Their story is truly a love story, written by God Himself, and Melissa's husband is her first and favorite heart passion in life!

Melissa's second heart passion in life is reaching out to those who are hurting, wounded, and without hope. Having once lived in the midst of that prison for many years, Melissa is acutely aware of God's calling upon her life to pass on the healing, hope and abundant life that she herself has found.

This calling led Melissa to obtain her Bachelor of Religion degree from Practical Bible College in Johnson City, NY (now Davis College), and then go on to obtain her Master of Arts in Christian Counseling from Liberty University. She was Licensed for Ministry in the Spring of 2006.

Melissa is also registered with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Through the course of many events, all of which were completely orchestrated by God, and which also exceeded Melissa's wildest dreams, Melissa was clearly led to found True Hope Counseling in December of 2004.Though a new ministry, it has grown steadily, and God's hand has been evident in every stage of the growth process. Melissa has counted it a humbling privilege to be a part of God's Epic story, and never ceases to be amazed at His ideas and plans that He has for True Hope Counseling.

In addition to being the Director of True Hope Counseling, Melissa also counsels. Although Melissa has a heart for anyone who is hurting, her particular heartbeat lies in working with adolescent and adult women, especially those with eating disorders and sexual abuse issues.

When Melissa leaves her office at night, and returns to her far away place in the middle of nowhere, she enjoys writing, reading, music, spending time with her pets, working out, anything that has to do with gardening and plants, and laughing at her husband's never ending comedy routines!