Born and raised in Salinas, California where she trained as a stage manager, photographer, and media marketing specialist with The Western Stage. Her work focuses on the production of film and theatre pieces that aim to preserve traditional knowledge, record and acknowledge family history, and to influence and encourage intergenerational media making.
Her commitments also include producing art that combats forms of white supremacy and oppression.
She has been honored to live within the Seattle community and work with such organizations as Seattle Indian Health Board, Red Eagle Soaring, Annex Theatre, Theatre off Jackson, Longhouse Media, University of Washington and Na’ah Illahee Fund.
Melissa holds a Master in Communication from University of Washington, Seattle in Native Voices Indigenous Documentary Program and a BA from California State University, Monterey Bay in Cinematic Arts and Technology.
She is a member of the Wuksachi Indian Tribe and proud Chicana, Queer WOC, based in Unceded Coast Salish Territory (Seattle).
Owner/Artisan to CORAZÓN CANDLES
Manager of Media Production at Cultivate Learning, College of Education University of Washington
Editor / Field Producer / Director for Circle Time Magazine, a professional development web series for early childhood educators
2016 - 2017 inaugural Committee Chair for Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Cultivate Learning
2019 - 2020 Committee Chair for Community Building Committee at Cultivate Learning