Melissa has always had a passion for animals: whether it be saving insects in her house, running into traffic to help a stray pet, or being a vegetarian for 20+ years, it’s easy to say she is an all-around animal lover. Her childhood dream was always to work in veterinary medicine (aside from being a professional Hollywood animal trainer!), and she is so grateful that she gets to help animals every day. She has loved working at East Padden Animal Hospital as a technician. Her favorite patients that come through are sighthounds and rabbits, but she will give every critter that comes her way some extra hugs and kisses. Outside of work, majority of Melissa’s time is spent as an avid horsewoman. Horses were her first love and remain a large part of her life. She loves sharing her horses with the local community and is a member of a non-profit that travels to different equine expos, schools, events, and assisted living facilities. Melissa rides and shows dressage, and has recently begun learning about clicker training with horses and is having so much fun teaching her horses new and exciting things! She is also a period drama enthusiast and fangirl of all things science fiction & fantasy – she regularly attends comic-con and renaissance festivals. Melissa is married to her high school sweetheart and currently has two Italian greyhounds, Mochi and Madeleine.