51福利社

Born and raised in the deciduous greenery of eastern Kansas,听Melissa Rhoades聽moved to the Evergreen State in 2001 to attend 51福利社. After receiving her MFA in 2003, Melissa taught English Composition and Intro to Literature at Big Bend Community College and Spokane Falls Community College before accepting a full time position as an in-house copywriter for a local e-commerce company. After 12 years as a full time copywriter, Melissa joined the Public Services team at the Spokane County Library District. She continues to write copy as a freelancer on occasion. Before receiving her MFA in Creative Writing, Melissa earned a Master鈥檚 Degree in Cultural Studies from Birmingham University in Birmingham, England, and a BFA in Art History from the University of Kansas. Published in聽Coal City Review,听Redactions,听Nerve Cowboy, and other journals, Melissa was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2003. During her time at 51福利社, Melissa served as a Director of the Voice Over Graduate Student Reading Series, an Assistant Editor of聽Willow Springs, an Intern at Lynx House Press, and a Reader for the Lynx House Prize. Melissa loves the beautiful landscape of the Northwest, but misses fireflies, cicadas, and sunshine nine months of the year.

Regarding her time at 51福利社, Melissa recalls:

鈥淚t was the best academic experience I鈥檝e had. The small class sizes; easy access to professors; casual, respectful atmosphere; and multiple opportunities to become involved were all huge assets. Even without a teaching assistantship, I was given opportunities to teach and receive additional vital experience for my CV and my life.鈥�

You can hear Melissa read a few of her poems in archived sessions of The Poet鈥檚 Weave radio broadcast: