From 1984 to 2000 Melissa worked extensively as a Research Assistant/Scientist then Research Nurse on projects concerning Colorectal Cancer Research. Concurrently she enjoyed various teaching & clinical roles at healthcare facilities such as The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the University of Melbourne and Kangan Institute of TAFE. In 2000, Melissa moved to rural Victoria completing a Post Graduate Diploma of Midwifery at Ballarat University, consolidating her practice at Ramsay Health, Mildura. From 2002 - 2010, Melissa worked as a Tutor/Lecturer & Research Assistant (part-time, sessional) in Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University Bendigo while maintaining a part-time appointment as research nurse at the RMH. Melissa also continues her midwifery practice at St John of God Hospital, Bendigo.

In 2010, Melissa commenced a fulltime position with the LRHS in Bendigo and is currently the LRHS BN Coordinator. She has played a significant role in the roll out of the new Bachelor of Nursing Curriculum at La Trobe University.