Melissa grew up in rural New York, spending many after-school hours roaming a nearby wildlife sanctuary or playing with her dogs, cats, and other pets. Through these happy hours immersed in the world of nature and animals, Melissa developed a strong love for the natural world and a great appreciation for the devotion of her pets. These passions have grown over the years, and Melissa is now a dog trainer and an enthusiastic birder, both of which impact her art and give her many subjects to depict in her paintings and drawings.