Melissa is a home study social worker, who works with families looking to adopt through Adoption STAR.  Melissa completes home studies and works with families during their post placement phase.  Melissa has a BA in Drama as Therapy from Hamilton College, an MS in Behavioral Science from Cameron University, and an MSW from the University at Albany.   Melissa has worked in human and social services for over 40 years.  Melissa has worked with inner city children and families using her degree in Drama to create opportunities for communication and education. Melissa has worked in residential and foster care, in mental health as a Coordinator of Education for the Mental Health Association of New York State, in government services as a Child Protective Investigator for the Comanche County Department of Social Services in Oklahoma, and as a school social worker in the Berlin CSD.

Melissa is a mother of two adult children, one of whom was adopted. Melissa and her husband enjoy acting and directing in community theater in the Capital Region.