Melissa currently serves as Executive Director for Vision House, a faith-based transitional housing program for families experiencing homelessness. She has called Seattle home since 1986, with roots in Boston, Tennessee and with an early professional career in Los Angeles and San Francisco. After graduating with a BA in Fine Arts from the University of California, she took a circuitous career path through a few years in international banking. Securing a curatorial position with the J. Paul Getty Museum was a career fulfillment goal until she moved to Seattle and became a stay-at-home mom to Clarke and Anna. While motherhood is a calling, God had plans to expand her influence after volunteer leadership positions with a re-entry to work with a large local church serving as Ministries Coordinator teaching spiritual gifts discernment and adult education.

With a passion for servant-leadership studies, Melissa went back to school to obtain a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. The door opened for the beginning of a 20 year career as a non-profit professional at Vision House, a 32 year ministry for homeless families. She is also a certified HR professional, StrengthsFinder coach and has served on an advisory board for Renton Technical College.

Melissa loves to travel, read, play golf, but most enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, their four kids and spouses, and their four grandchildren.