Melissa Schumacher is known for deep characters with a unique blend of vulnerability and strength. You'll most often find her playing a struggling mother or an abused wife who's had enough and is finally ready to stand up for herself and her children. Growing up in Western ND, Melissa learned to ride horse at the age of 5 while living on the family farm. She eventually followed in her grandfather's footsteps, fell in love with rodeo, went on to compete in the barrel racing and to hold several rodeo queen titles across the state. While in college studying Public Relations and Agricultural Education, Melissa discovered a love for acting. After several years of college as well as community theatre, she made the move to Los Angeles in 2008. Melissa packed up her pickup and drove west with no job, no place to live, and no friends or family to stay with. She's still at it.