Melissa began her career at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in 2011 as the WCVM's leadership and class giving officer. In 2013, she became a gift and estate planning officer for the university — a role that she held for nine years. In 2022, she returned to the WCVM as the college's director of development. 

Melissa has over 13 years of fundraising experience, and her breadth of knowledge includes cultivating and soliciting major gifts, leadership gifts and deferred gifts. She has also helped to create successful fundraising strategies and programs.