Melissa is the proud mom of four boys. She and her husband, Jim make their home in Ketchikan, Alaska. Her son, Owen, was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome at the age of 3. She credits awareness and research through DSF and other rare disorders for their early diagnosis. Melissa is an active volunteer with the Epilepsy Foundation NW, co-chairing the NW Run/Walk for Epilepsy for three years prior to COVID. She also represents Alaska an advocate for the Epilepsy Foundation. Her family spends time advocating and raising awareness for those living with epilepsy by participating in local events, including her son’s favorite passion of selling lemonade. Melissa brings strong advocacy skills around IEP rights and responsibilities as well as disability rights and inclusion. She is looking forward to her time as a Parent Ambassador to help other parents the way she has been helped.