Melinda was born and raised in Pasadena. While just a teenager, she worked with children as she helped her grandmother take care of her five younger cousins. She always enjoyed it and this experience put her on a path to loving and caring for young children. At sixteen years of age she volunteered at the daycare in which she attended as a child. She later worked with high schoolers as an Instructional Aid. The enjoyment of helping and being there to support and assist young children and young adults lead her to finish her education. Melinda enrolled in Cerritos College to complete her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, where she received her degree with Highest Honors. Through her education and experience, Melinda learned to truly value children as individuals above all. Her hope is that every child she works with comes to discover themselves and the world around them.

She currently lives in Lakewood with her husband who is a high school teacher, and their cats. As a hobby, Melinda enjoys making bracelets, scrapbooking, growing her garden, and other creative crafts. She also enjoys spending time at museums, botanical gardens, listening to and watching musicals, and grabbing a bite to eat with friends and family.