Melissa hasn't left the saddle since her riding days began at age 7 with Diamond Mountain Stables, home of Macella O'Neil. Drawing on her talent for handling tough ponies and her love of catch riding, Melissa's show career began in the pony ring, where she spent many hours in the saddle showing green ponies for their owners throughout Northern Ca.  After numerous championships in the pony ring, Melissa's career progressed into the hunter and jumper ring, where she showed horses through the various levels.

After developing her skills as an amateur rider, Melissa began her professional career with The Napa Valley Equestrian Center under the guidance of USEF 'R' judge Gardner Powell. She added many tools to her hand bag of information through her experience as assistant trainer and barn manager for the Equestrian Center. Continuing to expand her knowledge and understanding of the horse, Melissa took courses through Deb Patella's Equinology Program on; anatomy, equine biomechanics and health/nutrition. During this time Melissa chose to become an equine sports massage therapist.

Still seeking to grow as a professional in the horse industry, Melissa became a judge for Sacramento Area Hunter Jumper Association and was approved for her learner's permit by the United States Equestrian Federation. During her licensing process Melissa was able to learner judge with such highly regarded professionals as Linda Allen, Tucker Ericson, James Zulia and Jack Robson. Melissa's ability to watch the form of the horse and the style of the rider was recognized by these judges and the USEF when they approved her as a recorded 'r' judge in Hunters, Hunter Equitation and Jumpers. In addition to her journey through the horse industry, Melissa also graduated from UC Davis, earning a B.S. in Animal Science, with an emphasis on the equine.

On a daily basis Melissa is able to use her gifted eye and vast knowledge of the horse in her work as a teacher, rider, masseuse and judge.