Who is Melissa?

Welcome!  I'm Melissa Spencer and here's a little bit about what you should know about me.  I was born in Ohio but raised in Texas (how 'bout them Buckeyes? Longhorns? Cowboys?)  My parents were hard-working individuals who instilled in me the pride of a job well-done.  From an early age, I exhibited a strong sense of responsibility - partly from being the first-born, I think, but also because it's just who I am.  I believe in honesty, integrity, hard work, treating people with respect and Jesus Christ.

For more than 25 years I worked in the corporate environment.  I started my career in the insurance industry doing business insurance audits, then moved into office administration.  The past 20 years have been spent providing administrative assistance to mid and upper level executives in companies such as Burger King and Darden Restaurants, most recently as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants (parent company of Red Lobster, Olive Garden and others).  Needless to say, working at that level required great communication skills, confidence, discretion and strong administrative ability.  I consider myself trustworthy, ethical and discreet.  I am detail-oriented, efficient, resourceful, and possess strong organizational and communication skills, and am able to multi-task effectively - all skills that serve me well as a Virtual Assistant.

Several years ago I read an article by Stacy Brice, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of AssistU, about Virtual Assistance, and was intrigued.  I believed Virtual Assistance was the natural next step in my career as I sought a more balanced lifestyle and the ability to be in charge of my own future.  You might say, a dream was born!  In November 2004, I enrolled in the Virtual Training Program (VTP) through AssistU.  AssistU is the premier training organization for Virtual Assistants.  The VTP is an intense 20-week graduate level course that focuses on client relationships, marketing, technology and business management.  In May 2005, I successfully completed my training and graduated from the program.

My desire is to partner with clients who share my values and desire for success.  A work-life balance is important to me as is living a life of honesty and integrity, a life grounded in biblical principles.  I enjoy spending time with my husband, kids (three springer spaniels - Foster, Tucker and Lilly), and friends, cooking, travel, football (what a surprise!), reading and bible study - I love to learn!

To view my resume, click here:  Melissa's Resume