Melissa was born on the Northern Beaches and began nippers at North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club at the age of five, later representing the club at NSW Surf Life Saving Championships. 

Melissa represented Australia at multiple international swimming events from 2001 - 2023. At just 16 years of age, Melissa represented Australia at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games as a member of the Australian team that placed 4^th in the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay. The team went on to win silver at the 2005 World Championships and gold in 2006.