Melissa completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Latrobe University prior to completing a postgraduate diploma in health promotion and a master of public health. She has worked in a number of positions as an occupational therapist at Austin Health including inpatient rehabilitation services, inpatient palliative care and radiotherapy services. Melissa joined the North Eastern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service in 2007 as a Service Improvement Facilitator. Having a particular interest in the support and information needs of cancer patients, she has led a number of projects with a focus on these areas. Most recently Melissa has project managed the Victorian Oesophagogastric Cancer-Service Redesign Program.