Passionate about providing confidence, not just compliance, Melisa is the award-winning Founder & CEO of Galasso Learning Solutions – a premier, full-service provider of high-quality continuing professional education for CPAs. With over 20+ years of experience, Melisa has become a nationally recognized authority in designing and facilitating courses on advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, including not-for-profit and governmental accounting.

Melisa is known for her expertise in instructional design and adult learning techniques, backed by her Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) credentials, as well as the prestigious Association for Talent Development Master Trainer™ designation. With a diverse career in public accounting, academia, and industry, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, she’s built a reputation for delivering engaging, effective learning experiences for CPA firms, governments, nonprofits, state societies, and CPA alliances.

Committed to advancing the profession, Melisa serves on multiple committees including the Financial Reporting Executive Committee (FinREC) and the Enforcement Subcommittee of the AICPA and co-chairing the North Carolina Association of CPAs A&A Committee. She previously served on AICPA Council, the Technical Issues Committee (TIC) and the FASB’s Not for Profit Advisory Committee (NAC) as well as the Virginia Society of CPA’s Board of Directors.

Melisa is a 2014 graduate of the AICPA’s Leadership Academy and the author of the acclaimed nonprofit accounting book, “Money Matters for Nonprofits.” For her contributions to both accounting and entrepreneurship, Melisa has received numerous accolades, such as the Top 50 Women in Accounting Award, the Rising Star Award from NAWBO Charlotte, and was honored as a “40 under 40” by CPA Practice Advisor for three consecutive years.

Based in Charlotte, NC, Melisa loves supporting causes that empower women, including serving as Education Chair for NAWBO Charlotte’s Board of Directors and having previously chaired the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte. In her free time, Melisa loves spending time with her family and can often be found at one of her daughter’s horse shows, supporting the arts with tickets to the orchestra, volunteering, or speaking a bit of French or Spanish on one of her treasured quarterly vacations.