Melonie was born and raised in Claremont, North Carolina. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s (2010) and master’s degree (2012) and is a Certified Public Accountant (#39701) licensed in the state of North Carolina.

She spent the first part of her career in the tax department of a mid-sized public accounting firm, learning the ins and outs of tax practice. During this time, she gained extensive experience and expertise, which comes with some serious bragging rights—one of her most significant contributions include assisting one of the world’s largest apparel companies in claiming millions in R&D tax credits, showcasing her ability to navigate complex tax regulations and secure significant financial benefits for her clients. She also served as a consultant to one of North Carolina’s oldest public trust companies and family offices, analyzing and vetting the quality control of their tax department. This role underscores her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to high standards.

Wanting a more hands-on approach and a closer connection to her clients, she transitioned to a small, 6 person CPA firm, heading up their tax department. Here, she honed her skills as a trusted advisor to small businesses and their owners, gaining invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these enterprises. Her ability to provide personalized, strategic advice helped many small businesses.

With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both large and small-scale operations, she returned to High Point and spearheaded the development of the client accounting services practice of a large, local CPA Firm, significantly enhancing the firm’s offerings and establishing a robust, client-focused service model.