Melissa joined the Wheaton College staff in 2014 as the office coordinator for the Intercultural Studies department before she transitioned to her role as the administrative assistant to the associate dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership, and then joined the Marion E. Wade Center staff in 2021. Prior to coming to Wheaton, she worked in student ministries for 15 years, mainly developing and leading student ministries in local churches that focused on discipleship, church history, and Christian education. She also practiced as a licensed professional counselor in group practice and college campus counseling centers. She currently enjoys leading small group bible studies on campus for Wheaton graduate students for the graduate chaplain.
Melissa was raised on the stories of Tolkien and Lewis and enjoyed sharing them with her students. She continues to enjoy reading and researching the Wade authors as part of her academic pursuits.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Ministries with an emphasis in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute (’04), a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (’10), and a Master of Arts in Historical Theology from Wheaton College Graduate School (’23).
When she has free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, exploring the outdoors and Michigan coast, reading, and all things equestrian.