About Me
I’m a Service Designer and Researcher with over 15 years of experience. Since transitioning from Web and Graphic Design to UX in 2013, I’ve worked with clients in industries like healthcare, retail, CPG, and government, solving complex problems using strategic, human-centered approaches grounded in systems thinking. I’ve had the opportunity to hone my skills in UX research, information architecture, and product design.
I thrive on reframing challenges from different perspectives to uncover new solutions that impact both user and business outcomes. I guide teams to focus on outcomes, which I find fosters better critical thinking about what the approach should be, instead of thinking about the activities they’d like to do.
In addition to my hands-on work, I’ve led teams of Product Designers and UX Researchers, driving key initiatives, mentoring junior members, and improving processes to enhance team effectiveness. My experience in building consensus, resolving trade-offs, and aligning design efforts with organizational goals has influenced greater customer obsession and smoother pathways to moving forward.
Collaboration is at the core of my approach. I build strategic partnerships and use storytelling to communicate insights clearly, helping teams and leaders make informed decisions. I’m currently excited to apply my leadership and design expertise in an individual contributor role, helping teams deliver high-impact, user-centered solutions.
Based in Chicago, I live with my husband and two cats, Bonnibel and Marceline. I’m passionate about lifelong learning and am expanding my skills in data analytics to complement my research expertise.
Testimonials
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Melissa for four years across different roles and aspects of Zoro’s website. She has a large portfolio of design, strategy, and leadership skills, and a seamless ability provide thoughtful guidance and insight. She will ask all the right questions to ensure the right work is pursued, with the right method, and the right audience, at the right time, and beyond.”
- Morghan Buhrman,
Senior Experience Designer
“As my manager, Melissa was a mentor I could rely on for candid UX design feedback and guidance. She is also a valuable thought leader for any product team. As a design manager, she excelled in collaborating with the tech manager and other external stakeholders to drive the product roadmap and strategy forward.”
- TJ O’Neill,
Senior Experience Designer
“Melissa is a seasoned UX professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and a user-first approach to every project. I was lucky enough to collaborate with Melissa in her role as Lead UX Researcher for the Top of Funnel Teams at Zoro. She led numerous in depth studies for us on search. She went out of her way to make the research accessible and relevant for the whole team.”
- Scott Halkyard
Product Manager