![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/child-self-school-photo-1.jpg)
Since I was a kid, I’ve had a lot to say.
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Melissa_Memphis-9-3-684x1024.jpg)
Today, I speak my stories through personal connection and children’s books.
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An avid animal advocate and believer that change starts with the child, I write about kindness, friendship, and animal welfare.
I wear many hats, and tell tales with a little bit of chuckle and a lot of cheese.
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/chuckle-cheese-1-1024x768.jpg)
I believe life experiences shape the stories we share,
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so I spend time traveling,
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/traveling-768x1024.jpg)
learning,
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Aussie-Koala-684x1024.jpg)
and making new friends.
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My personal stories include receiving both a Communication and English degree in Creative Writing,
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dancing and volunteering in children’s hospitals as a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader,
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/kid_shades.jpg)
developing multiple designer sunglass lines,
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/chimprun-1024x684.jpg)
running a 10K through the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world,
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/zip-line-video_Trim_6.gif)
ziplining next to a live volcano,
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Rescue-Ridge-Donkey.jpg)
and volunteering for animal rescue groups.
![](http://melissarutigliano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Melissa_Memphis-cupcake-bite.jpg)
I am a Jersey Girl who lives near the beach and spends time writing and visiting schools sprinkling kindness and awareness with my special sidekick, Memphis the Dog. I have never met a cupcake or dog I didn’t like, especially the ones with sweet sprinkle breath.