Starting in the field about 10 years ago, Melissa and her training school, Canadian Canine College, are now regarded as a leader in the areas of dog training, and dog trainer education. In addition to her B.Sc from the University of Guelph, Melissa is currently finishing the Counseling Techniques Certificate with Mohawk College and working on a BA in psychology. She has also earned an internationally recognized certification through the Certification Counsel for Pet Dog Trainers. As these academic accomplishments illustrate, Melissa is passionately committed to becoming a better trainer through education and requires the same standard from all staff at Canadian Canine College.

Melissa has experience with Flyball and Agility, therapy, confirmation, and obedience competition. She has an in-depth understanding of behavior modification, working with the SPCA, as well as being contracted by St. Leonard's Community Services to provide dog training and facilitate a specialty program for youth in foster care. Despite a houseful of her own companion dogs, Melissa has also been a foster home for the Lions Foundation Guide Dog Program. Both Melissa’s personal and professional lives reveal her dedication to the fostering of healthy relationships between humans and the pets they love.