Melanie Parker was born and raised at the Jersey Shore. She received her Bachelor's degree in Leisure Resource Facilities Management from Green Mountain College in Vermont.  What began as a summer job at Toms River Animal Hospital, unexpectedly evolved into a lifelong career, and now she couldn't imagine doing anything else. Melanie started out as a Kennel Technician, and over the years she took promotions to several different positions including Receptionist, Assistant to the Medical Director, Hospital Manager, and Hospital Administrator. Unofficially, she was also the liaison between the hospital and Feline Friends, the non-profit cat rescue that was housed at the hospital. She is considered by many to be a "cat whisperer." After relocating to Connecticut, Melanie joined the Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center family in January of 2019.

When not at work, Melanie enjoys spending time with her two rescue cats and her handicapped Maltese. Her motto when it comes to choosing pets to join her family is to take the "broken bodies and broken souls." She has a soft spot for the "unadoptable" animals that would otherwise struggle to find a home due to medical or behavioral issues.