She received her baccalaureate degree from Grinnell College. Melissa received her post-baccalaureate certificate (Master’s Nursing and Healthcare Practice program) from the University of Iowa. She received her doctorate of nursing practice degree as a family nurse practitioner from Creighton University. She is board certified and has experience in palliative care. Currently, Melissa delivers care to children and families living with complex chronic illness throughout central Iowa as a member of the SHINE perinatal and pediatric palliative care program. Outside of the workplace, she enjoys spending time making and sharing memories with her family and friends.