Melissa started with the Commission in March 2023. She will be assisting with lab and field activities as well as data summarizing.
Melissa grew up in Bridgeport, Washington and attended Wenatchee Valley College where she obtained her AA in Sustainable Agriculture Horticulture and Tree Fruit Production. She is continuing her education at Washington State University in Pullman. Melissa is completing her Bachelor’s in Fruit and Vegetable Management. She has worked for the Stemilt Lab doing Quality Control as well as the Washington State University Tukey Horticulture Orchard. Melissa also works on her family farm in Bridgeport, WA.
Melissa has one brother who is in Bridgeport on their family farm with her father and her mother currently is in Mexico. Melissa has one chihuahua named Dutch who brings so much joy to her life.
When she isn’t at work, Melissa enjoys cooking, outdoor activities, and visiting family. In the fall, her favorite interest is collecting apples left behind in the orchard to make fresh cider together with her family.