Raised by her adoptive grandparents, Melissa’s childhood was shaped by questions of identity, belonging, and love. These early experiences, though often difficult, gave her a profound gift: the ability to see the world through the eyes of children who feel overlooked. Storytelling became her refuge, a private place where emotions could be explored safely, where imagination softened life’s sharp edges.

She’s currently developing a series of picture books that explore hope, self-worth, magical realism, and the quiet strength of introverted and sensitive children. She also plans to speak at schools, churches, and community spaces about the power of imagination and emotional literacy. Her long-term vision is to build a meaningful body of work that uplifts children, especially those whose stories are too often untold.