Melissa Anderson

Melissa Anderson (1982-present) was born in Riverside, California. Raised in an incredibly abusive home, Melissa's father is now serving two life sentences for child abuse, child torture and child sexual abuse. Melissa's mother avoided prison by testifying against her father for immunity from her crimes.

After joining the Army at 17, Melissa met her husband in Monterey, California where she was studying Mandarin Chinese. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and History. After graduating, Melissa moved with her husband and six children to San Antonio, Texas where she earned her Law Degree at Saint Mary's University.

Melissa is now a practicing attorney and professional public speaker using her background to teach and uplift others. Melissa is now the founder of Rise Up and Protect, a non-profit focused on lifting others out of abusive situations.