Melissa began serving birthing families in January 2002.  Certified with DONA International in 2003, & Lamaze International in 2005. Melissa has worked with over 1000+ families as a labor doula and/or childbirth educator.  As a DONA approved trainer, Melissa offers training and mentorship opportunities for new doulas and has trained over 500 new doulas, primarily in the Southeastern U.S.

Melissa finds birth work most rewarding and believes deeply in the vision and mission of DONA International.   Feeling the desire to become more involved in leadership with DONA International, Melissa joined the certification committee(2009-2015), and was appointed as the FL State Representative (SPAR) (2011-2015).   After serving in the state rep capacity, Melissa joined the board of directors in Feb 2015 as Southeastern US Regional Director.  Since joining the board, Melissa help co-lead the DONA International rebranding efforts including the new website project and has contributed on several committees (including education, advocacy, and grievance).   In Jan 2016, Melissa was elected by the membership as the Director of Public Relations and Marketing, followed up by being named President Elect in 2019.  On January 1, 2020, Melissa became the DONA International President.

In addition to her volunteer work with DONA International, Melissa strives to increase her knowledge base, earning her Advanced Certified Doula designation (2016), Certified Lactation Consultant credential (2017), as well as receiving the honor of Fellow in the Academy of Childbirth Educators (FACCE-2017).   Melissa actively serves as a birth doula, childbirth educator, and doula trainer and she lives with her family in Tallahassee, Florida.