Prior to joining LSAP in 2006, Melinda was a staff attorney with the DHS Child Support Enforcement Division and an attorney in private practice, where she specialized in family law, juvenile law, and criminal law. In 2012, Melinda was presented with the prestigious National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award for her outstanding advocacy work with the Minnesota Safe at Home Act, which protects victims of domestic violence. Primary areas of practice include: domestic violence, family law, juvenile law, DHS licensing, child care policy, and policies related to the judicial system.