Originally from Long Island, New York, Melissa received her BA in painting and integrative arts while on scholarship for gymnastics at the Pennsylvania State University. In 2017 Melissa became involved with Truth Be Told, a Texas-based nonprofit supporting incarcerated women, which later inspired her to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work. Melissa has since worked as a counselor, volunteer coordinator, workshop facilitator, group therapist and case manager at the University of Texas Domestic Violence clinic, The Magdalene House residential center for women survivors of sex trafficking, and the Travis County Correctional Facility. In addition to social work, Melissa is also a touring musician with two studio albums, and alongside her band has been featured on podcasts, television, radio stations and blogs across the country. She uses her platform to fundraise and support environmental causes as well as indigenous and POC-led organizations. She currently works as a therapist and musician, living between Colombia and the Southwestern United States with her husband Felipe Rendon.