Meet Melissa
“I believe very much in the value of hard work and upwards mobility. America is said to be the land of opportunity, but we need to make some changes in Olympia so that opportunity continues to be created and protected. More than ever, we need to fix what is broken in Washington State and bring back balanced decision making to our political spaces.”
I have been a Washington State resident since 1988. I am also a survivor of childhood abuse. In 2002 I became the first in my family to graduate with a university degree. After college I chose a career in criminal justice because I am passionate about public safety and believe that safe communities are the foundation for thriving communities.
From 2009 to 2013, I served as a Records Specialist at the Federal Way Police Department, where I meticulously managed criminal records, processed public disclosure requests, and handled various tasks crucial to law enforcement operations. This role demanded exceptional attention to detail, independent decision-making, and effective communication skills.
Prior to that, I honed my administrative abilities as a Department Assistant II at the Lacey Police Department from 2005 to 2007. My responsibilities included citation entry, public disclosure requests, and implementing a system to address false alarms, contributing to the efficiency of police operations within the city.
In 2004, I began my law enforcement career as a Community Service Officer at the Lacey Police Department. In this role, I received training in defense tactics and de-escalation techniques while providing vital support in transportation, evidence handling, and community assistance.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Martin's University in 2002. Prior to that, I earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies from South Puget Sound Community College in 2000.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I've been deeply involved in community service and leadership roles. As a voting member of the Civil Service Commission in Federal Way and the Steel Lake Management District Committee, I've contributed to important decision-making processes within the community.
I've also been an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way, where I served in public relations and volunteered as a Kiwanis Key Club Advisor at Thomas Jefferson High School. Additionally, I've been involved in various volunteer initiatives, including water quality testing with the Federal Way Stream Team and organizing neighborhood events such as National Night Out.
My dedication to service has been recognized through awards such as New Member of the Year from the Federal Way Kiwanis Club and Volunteer of the Year from Faith Family Church.
Throughout my career and volunteer work, I've demonstrated a commitment to excellence, community engagement, and making a positive impact. Whether in law enforcement or community service, I strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
