Melissa attended the University of Maynooth in Ireland obtaining a double honours degree in English and French Literature with a minor in Photography. Melissa has taught English and Media at Hedingham School since 2009. From 2012, she introduced Photography as a subject to the Sixth Form.

Melissa was previously the LST for Media but has switched to English as she has more of passion for this subject. She was second in department for English for four years before moving on to her next role.

She has been a head of year for eight years as well as the deputy safeguarding lead. Her main interest is promoting student voice where she has established a peer-mentoring system, run the Jack Petchey Speak Out as well as student council.