Melissa has been a Darwin local since moving from Adelaide with her family in the early 1980s, attending Howard Springs Primary School and Taminmin High School. Over the years she has been involved in many community organisations including the Howard Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade, Sunset Calisthenics and the Litchfield Football Club.

Melissa has qualifications in a number of areas and brings a holistic approach to the LDC business operations. Her qualifications include Diplomas in Management and Project Management, Certificate IV in Accounting, Bookkeeping, OHS and Training and Assessing. She is a Registered BAS Agent and currently completing a Bachelor of Business Management.