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. Having spoken for hundreds of thousands of CPAs over 20+ years, 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 far-ranging career in public accounting at top firms and bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, she’s built a reputation for delivering engaging, effective learning experiences for hundreds of CPA firms, governments, nonprofits, state societies, and alliances.
Committed to advancing the profession, Melisa has served on multiple prestigious committees for leading industry associations including AICPA, NCACPA, FASB, and VSCPA, and written the acclaimed nonprofit finance 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, Enterprising Women of the Year Award, and being 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, chairing the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte, and serving as Education Chair for NAWBO Charlotte’s Board of Directors.
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.