Originally from Central and Northeast Ohio, Melissa relocated to Aspen, Colorado, in 2016, drawn by the region’s creative energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and extraordinary natural beauty. A lifelong artist, storyteller, and community builder, she has always been passionate about the ways design, communication, and human connection shape our experiences. Her curiosity, creativity, and drive to make a meaningful impact have guided a diverse career spanning education, marketing, design, community engagement, and the arts.

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Over the past decades, Melissa has built a dynamic professional career as an entrepreneur, educator, creative director, and marketing strategist. Her experience includes roles as an Adjunct College Faculty member, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Producer, Set Stylist, Gallery Owner, Artistic Director for a local architecture firm, and Subject Matter Expert developing college-level curriculum in photography, graphic design, and visual communications. Today, she serves as a Fractional CMO and owner of Citizens Bridge. Melissa excels at transforming complex ideas into compelling stories that connect organizations with the audiences they serve.

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Outside of her professional work, Melissa remains deeply engaged in the local arts as both a practicing artist and creative advocate. She enjoys exploring photography, painting, sewing, printmaking, digital media, and immersive world-building projects. When she’s not developing marketing strategies or creating art, she enjoys spending time with her husband and cate, as well as hiking, skiing, camping, paddleboarding, gardening, cooking, and traveling.

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Education

The University of Akron, OH

Masters in Arts Administration, Thesis: "Financial Challenges of New Media Art in Contemporary Arts Institutions", 2017

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The University of Akron, OH

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, minor in Professional Photography, 2009

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Central Ohio Technical College, OH

Associate of Digital Media Design, 2007

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The Ohio State University, OH

Associates of Liberal Arts, 2005

 

Community Affiliations

Volunteer Team Lead, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) x Kairos Futura | First Forest Division: Zombie Forest Quest, 2026

Artist Contributor & Event Volunteer, The Art Base | 10x10 Name Unseen Silent Auction & Fundraiser, 2019-present

Volunteer Short Film Pre-Screener, Aspen Film, 2021-2022

Crew Volunteer, Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboarding Club, 2019-2020

Co-Chair, Contemporaries at The Aspen Art Museum, 2017-2019

Membership Chair, Aspen Young Professional Association, 2018-2019

Volunteer Graphic Designer, GlenX Career Expo, 2017-2019