Waters, Melissa: - Melissa Waters grew up in upstate New York and worked as a human resources professional in New York City. She fell in love with Marco Island's peaceful tropical environment on her first visit to the island in 2015 and moved to Marco Island to enjoy life in paradise when she retired in 2023. Melissa's favorite activities include walking the island's gorgeous crescent beach, shelling, birdwatching, and photography. When she's not home exploring the island, she enjoys traveling up north to New York to visit her parents, her two beautiful daughters and her three wonderful grandchildren.In 2023, Melissa's published her first book, An Authentic Adventure with a Marco Island Burrowing Owl through Simon Publishing LLC, an independent press established by late author Joanne Simon Tailele. Melissa now operates Simon Publishing LLC and helps authors bring their treasured creations to life. Melissa also serves as communications editor for Marco Island Writers, a committee of the Gulf Coast Writers Association.