Prior to joining Astia in June of 2007, Melissa spent six years in local California politics, working in the administration of the San Diego County and Orange County Treasurers. Her time in local government was followed by service for the State of Rhode Island as a staffer in the Untied States Senate.

Melissa graduated at the top of her class for both her graduate and undergraduate degrees. Receiving an MA in comparative and American politics from California State University, Long Beach, Melissa graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and was one of three to be placed on the graduate deans list. Melissa received her BA in political science from San Diego State University in 2004.

In addition to her time at California State University, Melissa spent two semesters at the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain and completed 15 units in politics at the University of London.

With the ultimate goal of receiving a PhD, Melissa's academic career focuses in American and Latin American Public Policy.