Melissa is a graduate of the Pacific University PA Program, Class of 2014. Prior to becoming a PA she worked as a medical laboratory scientist with special interests in blood bank, microbiology and hematology. Following graduation from PA school her passion for family care and rural medicine led her to the communities of Vernonia and Ranier and then Forest Grove. Recently, she decided to transition to hematology/oncology- uniting her first love of laboratory science with her dedication to patient care. In addition to her practice, Melissa enjoys precepting PA students and remains enthusiastically involved with helping future generations of clinicians whenever possible.
You may see her around the clinic or at the hospital with her service dog, Haku. Melissa and Haku have been partners since 2020. While he leaves the practice of medicine to Melissa, he is known to be a skilled healer of the heart. When he’s not working he loves pets behind his ears, cookies, peanut butter, swimming and the tennis ball!
In her free time, Melissa’s favorite place to be is in the company of her husband and 2 goldadors. Some of her greatest joys are live music, the study of viticulture and international travel.