Melissa Farley - Narration & Dancer in 'depression'

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When I met Ann many years ago, we had an instant connection. I was drawn to her authenticity, her inherit desire and practice of doing good in this world and her spirit of advocacy, curiosity and openness to meet humans on all walks of life. Ann became a creative partner and a beloved friend over the years and as her friend, her joy is my joy, her pain is my pain and walking this journey with her has taught my soul so much about grief, resiliency, love and friendship. Sometimes, the most important things to talk about are also the hardest things to talk about, and as someone who has lost loved ones to suicide, this message is close to my heart and as always, Ann has a unique and magical way of presenting this experience in a way that will touch many hearts and hopefully spark conversion, spark understanding, spark care and offer a connection and invitation for healing in a new way. I'm thankful to be a small part of this project, because everything Ann does leaves the world a little better than it was before. That's the kind of art I want to create. 

Melissa has been a dynamo in the media and entertainment industry with a professional career spanning more than a decade. She's managed large teams and multiple publications and social media brand strategies for THE USA TODAY NETWORK, has conducted interviews with everyone from Martha Stewart to Mario Lopez, hosted and produced live events and shows and implemented in-community touch points for major organizations.   

Recently, Melissa boldly took a leap and left corporate journalism to start her own business. Stronger Today is a multi-platform community helping women to feel stronger and better today than they did before with personalized support, guidance and resources through their journeys of self-discovery and healing. Melissa is a certified life coach and takes people from surviving to thriving through the G.L.O.W.S method. She also runs a boutique marketing agency, giving clients and creatives a white glove experience and expert strategy in Google Advertising, Social Media Marketing and Brand Development. Melissa co-owns Patty Melt Studios with her husband Pat Shannahan, a studio for high-end digital storytelling and story-driving.   

Melissa is passionate about being involved with her local community. She has been a mentor and facilitator at New Pathways for Youth, she is also an event host and moderator for the educational arm of IFP Phoenix, served on the grant committee for Season for Sharing through Gannett for 4 years and has been on the boards of several organizations elevating the arts such as The Fashionomic Collective and the Worldwide Women's Film Festival.   

Between her 13-year long acting career with nearly 40 IMDB credits and national titles, her time as a journalist and her dogged advocacy for the arts, Melissa is a trusted, passionate and effective professional and creator. Check out her latest project, multiple award-winning film ‘Moving Ashley.'