Melissa was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama and moved to New Orleans in 2001 to attend law school at Loyola University. Melissa is licensed in the states of Louisiana and Georgia, was a practicing attorney for seven years, specializing in class action law litigation. After having two children, Melissa began a career focused on her true passion- fitness. Melissa's love for fitness began at the age of 12 when she began running cross country and track She was a member of Alabama's All State and All Country cross country and track rankings for four years. Melissa began taking Pilates thirteen yeas ago after sustaining an injury during a half marathon. After her back injury and knee surgery, Melissa knows first hand the healing power of Pilates, especially for runners. Melissa is Power Pilates Core Mat I and Core Mat II certified and is currently enrolled in the Power Pilates comprehensive certification program. She is also an AFAA and TRX certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and middle school track coach. When Melissa is not at the studio you can find her spending time with her husband Prentice, two children John and Stella and dog--Wilson.