Elected Experience: Melanie was elected to the Franklin-Pierce School Board in 2015 and was instrumental in helping pass the district's first bond measure in almost 20 years. She played a critical role in the passage of two school levy renewals in 2018.

Other Professional Experience: US Army veteran, Landlord/Tenant Coordinator, Administrative Assistant/Case Manager, Diversity Trainer, and Domestic Violence advocate

Education: Saint Martin's University- Bachelors of Arts and Psychology 1995

Community Service: previously served as a Commissioner on the Board of the Pierce County Housing Authority and on the Board of Community Healthcare.    

Statement: In my decades as an advocate, I've promoted the well-being of families, fought for low-income housing; and ensured underrepresented populations have a champion in the community. I lead by example-by working collaboratively and building diverse coalitions to solve complex challenges-and listen to those left out of the decision-making process. We must put our communities' priorities first. We must fund more low-income housing, transportation, and public education and we shouldn't tax people out of their homes to pay for it. Endorsed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Washington State Labor Council, and others.