About Melissa

Melissa is a Private Wealth Adviser in the Sydney office for Shadforth Financial Group.

Education and experience

Melissa is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner and a current member of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), reflecting her commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards in financial advice.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Applied Finance, from the University of Wollongong, providing a strong academic foundation in investment principles, financial markets, and strategic wealth management.

Melissa commenced her career in the personal wealth management and financial advice industry in 2008 and has since built extensive experience working with individuals and families to navigate complex financial decisions with confidence. Over this time, she has developed a reputation for delivering tailored, client-centric advice designed to support long-term financial security and peace of mind.

Her expertise spans a broad range of financial planning strategies, including superannuation and retirement planning, personal insurance, tax structuring, investment portfolio construction, cash flow management, and debt management strategies. She assists clients in structuring, reducing, and managing debt effectively as part of an integrated financial plan, ensuring that liabilities are aligned with broader wealth creation and risk management objectives.

Melissa works closely with clients through all stages of life, including wealth accumulation, retirement transition, intergenerational wealth transfer, and estate planning, ensuring that advice remains aligned with evolving personal circumstances and legislative changes. She has a particular passion for supporting women to build financial confidence and long-term security, and values creating an environment where clients feel informed, empowered, and in control of their financial future.

With a focus on clarity, structure, and proactive guidance, Melissa aims to simplify complex financial matters and empower her clients to make informed decisions, ultimately helping them achieve financial independence and lasting confidence in their financial future.

Outside of work

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys staying active and playing sport, finding it a great way to unwind and maintain balance. She also loves travelling and exploring different cultures, and values the perspective it brings.

Melissa is a proud mum to two young daughters and cherishes the time they spend together. She enjoys encouraging them, building their confidence, and helping them grow into strong, kind, and capable young women who feel inspired to make their own mark on the world. She is also passionate about sharing her heritage with them and is encouraging them to learn Spanish—her parents’ native language—so they can stay connected to their cultural roots.