Melissa changed from social services to the animal welfare industry in 2014. After exploring various areas such as wildlife, clinical settings, and sheltering, she discovered her true passion in sheltering, with a particular focus on behaviour and training.

Melissa is a Certified Shelter Behavior Consultant – Dogs (CSB-D) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a Certified Animal Trainer through Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, and a Fear Free Shelter Graduate.

Melissa joined Toronto Humane Society as an Animal Care Worker in 2015, moving into the Training Department as a trainer and then moved into leadership positions. Now as Director, Animal Sheltering, she is currently overseeing the animal sheltering programs of Shelter Care and Training, Shelter Veterinary Care, Community Sheltering, Shelter Admissions (including rescue transport) and Rehoming to Improve the Lives of Animals.