Melissa Hopkins was born and raised in the Newark area, graduating from Middletown High School. She continued on to the University of Delaware where she simultaneously worked full-time and completed a degree in Political Science.

Upon graduation, Melissa accepted a position working as a Legislative Aide to Stephanie McClellan, at New Castle County Council. In this position, she handled all constituent relations, provided policy research and staffed multiple policy work groups. In December 2008, Melissa accepted a position working with the Delaware House of Representatives Democratic Caucus, serving as the primary staff to the Majority Leader and the Majority Whip.

Melissa currently serves as the Vice President of Sector Advancement for the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA).

Melissa resides in the Newark area with her husband, David, and son, Samuel.