Melissa has been active and involved in movement and exercise her whole life. She studied ballet intensely throughout childhood starting with Balletcenter Studios in San Diego, performed as a trainee with City Ballet of San Diego, and travelled the United States to study with Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center in D.C. and the School of American Ballet. Melissa moved to Austin to perform as an apprentice with Ballet Austin. She fell in love with the city and has been teaching ballet and dance around Austin for nearly a decade. Melissa has studied Pilates and Aerial Silks for many years and practiced both through and following her pregnancy. During her postpartum fitness journey, Melissa began lifting heavy weights and was instantly enamored. She obtained her personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and founded Strongerina Fitness in 2021. Melissa hopes to inspire women to reach beyond what they think is possible and transform themselves into their next phase of life! When she's not lifting weights in her gym, you can find her at the greenbelt or relaxing at home with her fiancé and son.