Melissa grew up in Toronto where she had a lifelong passion for animals and the human-animal bond. She received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Ontario Veterinary College. Although she has a wide range of interests in veterinary medicine, she has focused on her passion for small animal medicine, in particular general practice and emergency medicine and critical care.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, playing guitar, tennis, and photography.