Melanie has spent much of her adult life mentoring and leading others. After receiving bachelor’s degrees in Communications and English from The College of St.

Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, Melanie worked for several years in camps in Minnesota, Virginia and Mexico.

     She also spent three years as the Director of Student Activities/Union Manager at St. Scholastica while earning her Masters degree in Experiential Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

     Next, Melanie moved to sunny California where she served as the Director of the Student Leadership and Involvement Center and as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Redlands in California for three years. Melanie returned to her Minnesota roots to work as an Account Executive with High Impact Training. She is responsible for sales and service to their client base in the college, corporate, government and not-for-profit markets.

     Throughout her higher education career, Melanie received several professional awards including the 1997 “Outstanding New Professional” for the Upper Midwest Region of NACA (National Association Campus Activities) and several “Outstanding Education Session” awards from two NACA regions. She was also named “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” as well as “Who’s Who Among American Professionals.”

     In her free time she loves outdoor recreation, reading and writing. She is also an extensive traveler. She studied in Ireland, backpacked through Europe and lived in England. She even spent time in China teaching English to Chinese children. Making a difference in the lives of others is what matters most to Melanie. Her deliberate, fundamental and exploratory approach and “kid at heart” attitude make her a popular presenter at college campuses, camps and organizations across the country.
     Melanie will present a keynote at 10 am (and repeat it at 6 pm).  She also will lead a leadership workshop open to all at 2 pm, and will have a follow-up session for questions at 11:15, right after her 10 am keynote.