Melanie was born and raised in Toronto and is of Sri Lankan ethnicity. Although raised a city girl, Melanie realized how much she loved rural living after her many moves across the country and abroad. She realized the importance of providing healthcare in underserved rural communities, and also appreciated the beauty and adventures that northern living offered. This brought her to Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Melanie was inspired to become an audiologist following her work using auditory training techniques to help children and adults. From this experience, she realized the importance of hearing health for quality of life, no matter the age or lifestyle.

She knew it was a great field to combine her passion to work with people in a clinical context alongside her love for science, languages, and music as it relates to the ear.