Melissa grew up in Belleville and has drawn since she can remember. She was influenced by Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman amongst other realist artists. Melissa is also an avid photographer who enjoys taking photos of nature and wildlife animals.

Melissa has been teaching realistic drawing lessons and tutorials in online classes for over twenty years. This first began in 1999 when she began teaching realistic pencil drawing classes through Loyalist College. Then, in 2003, she designed Canada’s first online pencil drawing classes, which were being offered in 12 Community Colleges.

Melissa’s realistic pencil drawings have been published in a high school textbook through McGraw-Hill Ryerson as well as an international promotional brochure through Sakura Products of America for her earlier work in pointillism. In 2021, she was a featured artist in a CBC Arts series.

Melissa has participated in many group exhibitions, juried exhibitions, studio tours, festivals, and solo exhibitions showcasing her work. For the past few years, Melissa has dedicated her time to teaching youth art classes and adult online drawing tutorial courses.