Melissa describes growing up in an "accidental dog sledding family" and is now the co-training director of the New England Dog Training Club, the oldest AKC obedience club in the United States. She is the author of, "Considerations for the City Dog," a vocal advocate of improving ethics in animal rescue, and has been invited to present for the New England Federation of Humane Societies, Massachusetts Animal Coalition, Massachusetts Veterinary Technicians Association, the Boston Museum of Science, the Pet Professional Guild and more. Her love of story telling intersecting with professional expertise makes her a sought out speaker for kids, museums and professional organizations alike. Melissa also is a senior dog training instructor for the MSPCA where she teaches disc dogs, agility, scent work, and advanced training skills for pet dogs.