Melissa was born and raised in sunny hot Mesa, Arizona. Served an ASL mission in South Dakota Rapid City mission 2000-2002. 

Graduated from ASU in 2005 with BA in Early Childhood Education. 

Met her husband Blake as a missionary in 2002 and married in June 2005 in the Mesa, AZ Temple. 

Melissa received her Master’s degree in Deaf Education from ISU in 2007.  

She taught Preschool at USDB/KBS for 5 years. 

Moved to Kansas in 2013, yes, she enjoys the 4 seasons, and yes, there are tornados.  

Melissa has been teaching 1st grade and 2nd grade at KSD (Kansas School for the Deaf)  for 10 years. Since living in Kansas, Melissa has experienced the KC Royals winning the World Series and KC Chiefs winning the Superbowl.  

She attends the Olathe 3rd Ward with a small deaf group. Melissa has served in many young women’s presidencies as, stake girls camp committee member, gospel doctrine teacher, RS presidency, activity days leader, deaf committee member, nursery, and currently interpreter coordinator for her ward. 

She is currently an ASL/Deaf temple trainer in the Kansas City temple since December 2021. She enjoys cooking, baking, camping, going on vacations, hiking, and playing games with my 5 children.