Melissa grew up in Chantilly, VA where she swam year-round briefly with Victor Swim Club before becoming a long-time member of the York Swim Club at the age of 8. She swam summers with Pleasant Valley Swim Team from ages 5-18 and swam varsity lettering all 4 years at Chantilly HS where she was captain her senior year and was "Super Charger" her junior and senior years.  Melissa graduated Chantilly HS in 1997 and attended Miami University of Ohio graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She also attended George Mason University and received her Master's degree in Special Education in 2006. Melissa coached the summer swim teams of Pleasant Valley in 1995 and 1996, South Riding in 1997, and in Oxford (OH) 2001. She coached the past two years for the year-round team of Herndon Aquatics Club.  Melissa is currently in her 8th year of teaching and in her 5th year of assistant coaching swimming at Herndon HS. She will also be the head coach for the Chantilly Highlands winter swim prep program this year. This will be her first year with the Potomac Marlins and is excited to be a part of the team!