Melissa’s love for sports began at an early age. Having three brothers, she spent most of her childhood at the ball field learning the ins and outs of the game. Her love for sports continued to grow as she grew older and eventually she became a competitive dancer for 12 years specializing in ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical. When she reached high school, she quickly joined the softball team and played 4 years as a varsity player.
After high school, Melissa attended Eastern Connecticut State University where she got her BS in child/youth psychology and an early childhood education teaching certificate. Throughout college, she stayed active by playing intermural sports including co-ed softball, floor hockey and volleyball. She also joined the dance club.
Melissa took her first group fitness class about 4 years ago and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere, the classes and the people! Group fitness completely changed her life. Shortly thereafter, she began training to become a Les Mills BodyCombat instructor and a level 1 Zumba instructor.
Melissa enjoys teaching a variety of classes such as BodyCombat, bootcamp, HIIT (high intensity interval training), tabata and boxing. As an instructor, Melissa challenges those who are looking to bring their fitness to a new level, taking the novices outside of their comfort zones and showing them that they can do anything they want with some motivation and support from an experienced coach. Her classes are intense, but full of energy and motivation.
When she is not coaching, Melissa will be participating in class right next to you! She also enjoys running in local road races and has completed 7 half marathons. Melissa has taken part in 2 Ragnar Relay Race series and has recently completed her first triathlon. She took on the challenge of her first mud run by completing the Tough Mudder at Mount Snow in 2012. Melissa plays in a coed beach volleyball league in the summer as well.
Melissa enjoys the company of her niece and nephew and spends much of her free time with them. She is a kindergarten teacher in Clinton and resides in Clinton too.
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
