Melissa’s background makes her a blend of marathoner, yoga teacher in training, and adventurer.

She received her BS in Exercise Science, then moved to Los Angeles where she received her Master’s Degree in Public Health. Upon graduation, she realized that many of her friends from grad school had moved away. Trying to find her niche in Los Angeles, she started attending run clubs to find like minded individuals and fell in love with running. It wasn’t long until she was easily convinced to run her first half marathon. Since 2014, she has run 17 half marathons and 3 full marathons. Melissa believes that whether you’re a fast runner or distance runner isn’t what defines you, but your decision to get out the door and run.

Melissa fell in love with yoga after she realized it was the secret to staying injury free. She just finished Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training, and is currently taking a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training to continue her training. She hopes to become an instructor upon graduation.

When she’s not running or practicing yoga, she is working her regular 8-5 in Healthcare information technology or out traveling the world as much as she possibly can.