Melissa joined University Illinois Extensions Youth Development team in 2011.  As the 4-H Program Coordinator in Boone County, Melissa's goal is to provide a variety of 4-H experiences to help 4-H members develop leadership and citizenship skills and to help them learn about various projects in the 4-H curriculum.  Her ultimate goal is to help 4-H’ers gain skills that will help them throughout their lives and careers.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture education from Illinois State University. She spent five years teaching agriculture and serving as an FFA advisor before leaving that job to raise her family.

Melissa, her husband Mark and their three children operate a dairy heifer raising facility and have a small flock of chickens in Boone County. Melissa was a 10-year 4-H member growing up in McLean County. In 4-H she was actively involved as a member of two 4-H clubs and Federation.  She has served as a Cloverbud and 4-H organizational leader, so 4-H is a natural fit for her.

Melissa enjoys working with youth and helping them develop into well-rounded individuals. Her strong background in agriculture helps her work well with the 4-H youth in Boone County as many of them carry a livestock project. Melissa strives to help each 4-H member "Make the Best Better!"