Melissa turned on her first flameworking torch in 2000 and shortly after began immersing herself. Currently living in Pittsburgh, PA, she works as the flameshop coordinator for the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Over the past 10 years she has instructed hundreds of people as young as 5 years old and strives in providing a safe and memorable experience. Drawing inspiration from both her rural and urban settings, the plant world intrigues her the most and influences what she creates on the torch today.