Growing up in a very active and fit family, Melissa’s love for movement and fitness began at a very young age. Before she was even able to walk, Melissa was introduced to running while accompanying her dad on runs in the baby jogger (it is rumored that her dad used to push her downhill very quickly in the jogger, and this is where Melissa’s need for speed began). Melissa found her passion for physical competition early and regularly challenged her neighbors and classmates to races. During her elementary and middle school years she played soccer, tennis, and competed in track and field. She ended up playing competitive soccer for 13 years, winning four Alabama State Championships with her club team, and three Alabama 6-A High School State Championships. While competing year-round in competitive soccer Melissa experienced a chronic knee injury that prevented her from playing at the collegiate level and ultimately introduced her to physical therapy. She was immediately drawn to physical therapy due to its holistic approach and the connections that the physical therapists often create with their patients. 

 

Melissa picked up long distance running while completing her undergraduate studies at Auburn University. She channeled her competitive nature into academics and running, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Exercise Science degree and completing her first marathon. It is at Auburn that Melissa realized how truly important exercise is for physical well-being, mental health, and performance. This understanding continues to motivate and serve her well as a physical therapist today. 

 

Melissa’s clinical passion is orthopedics with a special interest in active populations of all ages. Her strength as a physical therapist is her ability to connect, empathize and laugh with her patients. She loves the challenge of treating active individuals and endurance athletes. She recognizes how critical it is to address all aspects of health so that her patients can perform optimally. Melissa is a problem solver and good listener which frequently leads her to discover solutions to unresolved, persistent pain. 

 

With a passion for learning and better serving her patients, Melissa has attended numerous myofascial dry needling courses and through these courses has earned her title as a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT). She has also obtained her certification in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction from Herman Wallace. Moreover, Melissa has taken numerous hours of continuing education related to the treatment and management of runners and adolescent athletes, and manual therapy.

 

When not in the clinic, you can find Melissa running, strength training, hiking, traveling, or spending time outside with her husband, Peter and her Golden Retriever/fur baby, Stevie. Melissa also enjoys teaching and taking classes Pilates at Stellar Bodies. She has completed numerous half marathons and two full marathons. Her current fitness goal is to qualify for and compete in the Boston Marathon!