Melissa Slocum spent 16 years working professionally in churches in three different states, always working with youth but also working with all ages in all sizes of United Methodist Churches. A LinC writer for the past 17 years Melissa continues to be an advocate for teens in all aspects of her teaching, church volunteering, and community work with Girl Scouts. She teaches piano from her home studio in the Atlanta area and is enjoying the adventure of raising her own two teenagers along with her husband. She enjoys camping, kayaking, walking with her two rescue dogs, good wine, and great music.