As a kid in Colombia, South America, Meli grew up riding horses and playing on her grandparents’ farm. When she later moved to Florida, she spent a lot of time at the beach and in the ocean. Eventually she ended up at White Pine, where she feels inspired by the community of nature connection, lifestyles of self-empowerment, and immersion into survival skills. Her favorite local outdoor spot is in her own backyard, as well as here in Rocky Ripple and the many surrounding outdoor spaces we have to explore.

Meli feels that the most inspiring part of her job is when she can encourage and empower children and families in nature so they can connect with the land and animals and experience the power of living in a village-model community. Her favorite memory at White Pine so far is when she participated in processing a hunted doe and a road kill buck.

Meli specializes in animal caregiving, including taking care of people’s pets. She loves the Survivors pathway at White Pine, where she can learn to make and craft her own tools, as well as learning the basic fundamentals of fire, so you can always walk with fire. She’s really excited to learn more about brain tanning in the coming years.

When she’s not at White Pine, Meli loves spending time with her cat Archie, taking him on adventures, being in her garden and helping tend to community gardens, spending time with family by the river kayaking or fishing, dancing, reading and taking care of animals. She also loves roller skating & riding her bike. She dreams of someday having a wildlife sanctuary and a working homestead. Also, she hopes to one day see a tiger in its natural habitat!