After working as an ER nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner in Memphis and San Francisco, Melanie met her husband Chris at the Grand Canyon where he worked as a National Park Service Ranger. They traveled and worked in several National Parks across the country including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Glen Canyon, Indiana Dunes, and Katmai in Alaska. Their sons Luke and Jackson grew up in the National Parks, and attended elementary school on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Their cat Scissors was their constant companion. Melanie enjoys hiking, traveling, backpacking, and experiencing other activities available in the national parks. This is her first children's book.