Jackson Free Press

Immediately I knew she was a strong and intelligent woman. I was a little intimidated—especially because she was an accountant and lawyer. But after three years of dating, Melissa married me in 2000.

If you've ever seen my artwork, it's because of Melissa. She has been supportive, encouraging, patient, and she has helped me get my painting career off the ground. Her name should be right beside mine every time a piece of my work is purchased at a fundraiser. Without her, I would not be where I am today.

After leaving her home in Moss Point to attend the University of Southern Mississippi on a dance scholarship, Melissa, 40, graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting. After a while, however, she realized that she didn't enjoy her chosen profession. Her brother, now-state Sen. David Baria, encouraged her to go into law, where she found her niche helping others. She accepted a position with a Jackson law firm after graduating from the University of Mississippi law school in 1996.

Melissa's family lost much after Hurricane Katrina. She was a rock for them, even as her nephew lay sick and dying in the hospital. When she found out her law firm would be representing the insurance industry on the Coast, she followed her conscience, left her job, took a pay cut, and began to work for Mississippi Children's Home Services, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk and under-served children.

Today, Melissa is chief personnel officer, in-house counsel and part-time lobbyist for MCHS. She is also on the board of the Mississippi Women's Lawyers Association, a member of Capital Area Human Resources Association, Mississippi Corporate Council Association, Mississippi Bar Association and the YMCA. Melissa is a key organizer of the Creative Spirits Art Auction at St. James Episcopal Church, as well as other charity events.

As busy as Melissa is, she always puts family first. She is an amazing mother to our son Preston. Her passion about his education is evident in the fact that he started correcting my English at the ripe age of 2. Preston is also the only child I know who monitors his own sugar and television intake at age 4.

With all that she's accomplished, raising a compassionate, intelligent and tolerant child will be her greatest legacy.

To her and all the wonderful moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!

Previous Comments

ID

129682

Comment

Nice piece, Tony. And I had no idea about Melissa's job change. Sounds like great "life work." Congrats, y'all!

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2008-05-12T20:26:46-06:00