Melissa graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics. She then went on to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL for a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition and completed her internship with an emphasis in critical care nutrition and research in 2007. She has been working as a dietitian for 2 years at Froedtert primarily in acute trauma and surgical hospital units, as well as cystic fibrosis and ALS clinics.

Melissa has served in the weekly ALS Clinic and has attended the National ALS symposium for the past 2 years. She speaks at a variety of community support groups and symposiums, including Myasthenia Gravis, Cystic Fibrosis and ALS groups. Melissa derives inspiration from PALS and caregivers. She describes learning more from them than any book or lecture has ever provided. She feels the multidisciplinary/team approach in the ALS clinic is efficient and is something most clinics aspire to.

Outside of the hospital, Melissa enjoys learning how to cook, spending time outside, shopping, Cub/Packer/Badger games, traveling, and spending time with friends, family and her dog, Bear.