Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Melissa and I’m a Buffalo native, Buff State and UB alumni currently working as a school librarian (a total dream job for a book nerd like me).  I spent over a decade working at a variety of human services agencies and still feel very passionately about working with and providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities.  I’m also an avid animal and nature lover doing my best to live a vegan lifestyle, and work part-time as a pet-sitter and dog walker.  I try to spend as much time as possible with friends and family and there really isn’t ever a dull moment at home, as I live with my husband, two step-kids, two pups, and two cats.

What does #RevLife mean to you?

I showed up to my first class at Rev filled with anxiety.  But even though I left Lauren’s class that day overwhelmed by just how out of shape I really was, I knew I would be back the next day.  The instructors and staff at Rev were welcoming and supportive from the very beginning, and the other clients (some friends, some acquaintances, some strangers) never fail to offer a friendly smile or encouragement.  I have never felt like an outsider at Rev, which is unbelievably refreshing.  #RevLife for me is showing up, for yourself and those around you, in any way you can (oh, and don’t forget to add some sweat too).  I am so incredibly grateful for this space and these people on a daily basis.

We all get in the zone in different ways. Where does your head go during a workout?

Usually for the first ten minutes of a work out I’m not totally convinced I have the energy to get through it…but once the halfway point hits I’m so grateful I showed up to do the work.  And getting into the “zone” usually just means reminding myself to forget about whatever is going on in my life and to FOCUS over and over again

What’s your favorite class at Rev?

My absolute can’t miss classes are TRX with Mandy, Saturday Rev Ride with Amanda, and Brandon’s Wednesday night ride!  Surprisingly (or perhaps not so much for this crowd) riding a bike in a dark room is one of my most favorite places to be lately

What’s your favorite meal/snack to eat after a tough workout?

Cold brew coffee with oat milk and loaded avocado-red onion-tomato toast with a sprinkle of salt and pepper!

If you have friends visiting from out of town how do you show the the perfect Buffalo day? 

It would definitely involve some time spent outdoors…taking  a walk at Tifft Nature Preserve or the Outer Harbor, kayaking on Tonawanda Creek or near the Old First Ward, or biking over the Peace Bridge onto the Friendship Trail for a few stops in Canada (I know, I know…I’m cheating a bit here).  We have so many great breweries in the area, so a bit of a local brewery tour would be a must!  The night would probably wind down in someone’s backyard, with a fire going and lots of snacks on hand.

What’s your favorite place to brunch in Buffalo?

Betty’s!

Early bird or night owl? 

I’m a night owl by nature, but current circumstances have made me an early riser (at least during the week).

What’s your ideal rest day look like? 

No morning alarms, leisurely coffee on the porch with a book, a walk with my husband and our dogs, a bike ride to a local brewery for a snack and a beer, and a backyard campfire to finish off the day.

What’s your Favorite guilty pleasure song? 

Oh, definitely anything off of One Direction’s “Midnight Memories” album. 

If you were shipwrecked on a deserted island which 2 luxury items would you want to have? 

A Kindle (pre-loaded with ALL of the books) and a bottle of red

Cats or Dogs? 

Both!  

If you were to win $100 million today what’s the first you do? 

Pay off my student loans (finally!), buy a used Airstream, and head out on a massive road trip with my family.