Mel began practicing Pilates in 2003 to aid in her recovery from a back injury, and has been teaching since 2007. Her Gyrotonic instructor training began in 2007. Both Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise have provided just the attention she needed to regain the quality of life she had prior to her injury. In addition to Gyrotonic exercise and Pilates, Mel also taught Art in High School and College for 16 years, and participated in national Artists- in- Residence Programs, Mel holds 2 degrees from Kent State University, a B.A. in Art Education, and a B.F.A. in Ceramics, as well as an M.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of Massachusetts.