Melissa obtained her Music Degree from Canadian Mennonite University in 2010 and an Education Degree from the University of Manitoba in 2012. In 2020, she obtained her Master of Music Education Degree from Brandon University, where her research explored strategies for engaging young boys in singing. Here she earned the Governor General’s Gold Medal and the Brandon University Gold Medal in Master of Music. Her research has been published in the Canadian Music Educator (63.3) and she has been honored to present at BU’s Da Capo Conference and MMEA’s Tempo Conference. She has also enjoyed opportunities as Faculty Advisor, Guest Lecturer, Guest Conductor, and Sessional Instructor at the Brandon University School of Music.

Melissa has taught K-12 music and choir over the past ten years, with her most recent teaching assignment in Brandon School Division. Her programs have incorporated choral singing, Kodaly, Orff, handbells, ukuleles, and African drumming. She has directed adults, children, and youth in community choirs, as well as serving on local boards that support the arts. Melissa was privileged to direct the Central Manitoba Choral Association’s Grade 4-6 Junior Choral Workshop Choir in October 2023.