Melanie is a freelance writer and former chef with decades of experience in travel, food, and adventure. Returning to university in adulthood, she graduated summa cum laude from UMass Amherst with a focus in food and culture journalism. She has traveled extensively in over 35 countries, and her bylines include The Boston Globe, Thrillist, Parade Magazine, Paste Magazine, Business Insider, New York Lifestyles Magazine, Expedia Magazine, VRBO Magazine, The List, Film Fest Magazine, Explore, Islands, and more.
She made a solo move to Alaska at age 19 and has been adventuring ever since—from shark diving and hiking Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail to exploring Maine’s lobster shacks and studying survival skills with Mark D’Ambrosio from The History Channel’s show, Alone.
She spent 7 years as a private chef in the Greater Boston area, including farm-to-table dinners at Wright-Locke Farm, cooking classes, a self-produced television show, and creation of a customized bakery bike. Her chef’ing days also included weekly clients, including a Boston Bruins coach. Her passion for food includes herbalism, foraging, and the many ways food embodies culture, tradition, and joy.
Mel believes that adventure awaits around every corner—from adrenaline-fueled excursions and epic trips abroad to small-town fairs, new foods, and lifelong learning. She’s not interested in generational bickering about skinny jeans and corporate email etiquette. Instead, she’s eager to create stories that connect with one of the things we all have in common—curiosity.