Melissa gained her love of plants from her mother, who from an early age taught her all aspects of gardening. She never imagined she would be lucky enough to spend her life working with plants AND work with such great people! Fifteen years ago, she decided to change careers and pursue her love of plants. She attended Farmingdale State College and holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

She currently manages the western route for the Plant Healthcare Division, and is an ISA(International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist, a certified commercial pesticide applicator in category 3A (Ornamentals, Shade Trees & Turf) and a CNLP (Certified Nursery Landscape Professional).