Melissa began her career in public service more than 27 years ago in the Bay Area and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State University. She is also a member of both the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Melissa has a passion for creating valuable recreational programming that engages a diverse community though social equity, conservation, and health and wellness. She has an extensive background in community outreach and engagement, parks and recreation programming, special events planning, marketing, fostering teamwork and collaboration and leadership.
Since coming to the City of Lathrop in 2015, she has helped to build the foundation of the Parks and Recreation Department. In her role as the Parks and Recreation Manager, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Recreation division which includes Special Events, Youth and Teen Programming, Sports, Leisure Classes, Senior Activities, Facility Rentals, assists with park planning and design, social media and marketing, and maintains Citywide solid waste and recycling.
"The best prize life has to offer is a chance to work hard at work worth doing." Leslie Knope