Pastor Melissa was raised in her early years in Ohio County, Kentucky in a pastor's home. She is a fourth generation Church of God member on her mother's side. Her family attended the Echols Church of God until her father began pastoring. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior, received sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost in a revival at the age of 11. Being a pastor's daughter, she followed her parents as they pastored the Owensboro-Ninth Street Church of God, Cold Springs-Orchard Terrace Church of God, Parksridge Church of God, and the Owensboro-Wings of Faith Church of God. 
 
     She first met David on July 1, 1995 when her dad became his pastor. She testifies that God spoke to her that day and told her she would marry him. Their first date wasn't until December 8, 1995 and they lived happily ever after. They were married on June 12, 1999 and have been blessed with two wonderful children, Dylan and Jalyn.
 
     Their ministry appointments have been as follows: 1996-1997 Youth Pastor at Dunnville Church of God; 1999-2000 Associate/Youth Pastor at Owensboro-Rushing Wind Church of God; 2000 Youth Pastor at Cumberland Church of God; 2000-2004 Associate/Youth Pastor at Owensboro-Wings of Faith Church of God; 2004-2007 Senior Pastor at Drakesboro-Shining Light Worship Center; 2010-Present Lead Pastor at Next Level Church of God. Pastor Melissa  earned her church credentials as follows: 2016-Exhorter Minister; 2016-Minister of Music.
 
     Educationally, she holds an Associate of Science in Business Technology from Daymar College, a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from Newburgh College of the Bible, and a Master of Arts in Ministry from Newburgh Theological Seminary. She is a leader in the Owensboro community working with the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County and in the region serving on boards and committees. She is the co-founder of  Tuckerville Homestead, Santa Dave & Co. LLC, and JaJo's Photography.