Meet Melissa

It’s an honor and a privilege to represent Woonsocket and North Smithfield residents in the Rhode Island Senate. I live and work in Woonsocket and share my life with my partner, Michael, our pug Elliot, and our cat Marcel Noel.

I currently serve as the Chair of Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, a member of the Senate Housing and Municipal Government, and Secretary of the Permanent Joint Committee on State Lottery.

I was born and raised in northern Rhode Island and attended Woonsocket public schools. I have an AS in Criminal Justice with a focus in Forensic Science. I was the first openly queer person elected to the Woonsocket City Council in 2013. I served two terms before being the first woman elected to State Senate District 24 in 2018.

In addition to my legislative work, I am also deeply involved in my community and volunteer for numerous boards and committees. When not performing my legislative duties, I divide my time between working for a Woonsocket-based small business and traveling locally as a self-taught artist.

A lifelong animal lover, I have fostered and volunteered for numerous animal rescues for over 25 years.