Malissa graduated from Michigan State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology with a focus on Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology. Malissa worked for Binder Park Zoo as an conservation educator where she gained a passion for public outreach and spreading environmental awareness. Malissa started working for the City of Kalamazoo Public Services Department in 2012 and started partnering with the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council on TMDL projects analyzing phosphorus concentrations along the Kalamazoo River and coordinating River and area wide cleanup events. Malissa has enjoyed engaging with and educating the public regarding drinking water quality, source water and wellhead protection and Kalamazoo River conservation concerns throughout her career. Malissa is an active member of the Kalamazoo Environmental Health and Advisory Council and the Lake Allegan/Kalamazoo River Watershed TMDL committee. She is currently the Environmental Services Programs Manager for the City of Kalamazoo.