Melissa brings over 20 years of dedicated civil rights experience, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of federal laws and regulations. She is a seasoned professional who adeptly interfaces with the Office for Civil Rights during investigations related to Title IX, Section 504, and Title VI across both higher education and K-12 sectors. Melissa has a proven track record of training administrators on a wide range of Title IX issues, including the nuanced aspects of accommodating transgender students, ensuring equity in athletics, and addressing sex discrimination/harassment through effective sexual misconduct investigations. Her expertise further extends to serving as an investigator in multiple investigations, both student and employee misconduct-related; she has also served as a decision-maker in such cases.

Melissa also possesses extensive experience in successfully defending educational entities against harassment and discrimination claims raised under federal civil rights laws. In the higher education realm, Melissa is well-versed in handling complex cases involving Title IX and disability discrimination, while in the pre-K-12 landscape, she additionally excels in navigating special education procedures and provides regular training on disability-related issues. Melissa's commitment to promoting equity and ensuring compliance with civil rights laws is evident in her multifaceted approach, making her a valuable asset to educational institutions seeking comprehensive guidance in navigating the complexities of civil rights matters.

Education

University of Notre Dame, J.D. (1996)

The Ohio State University, B.A., summa cum laude (1993)