Melody (Burke) Perkins began earnestly following Christ while an undergraduate at Georgetown University  in Washington, DC, after growing up in a large, energetic Catholic family in Nashville, TN. In her early adult years she worked in social work and elementary education, also volunteering in college ministry at Christ Community (PCA). She moved to  St. Louis in 1996 to complete a Covenant Seminary degree and seek a career in mercy ministry or missions. Melody began working full-time for Grace & Peace in 1999, as Administrator and Shelter Team Leader. Expansion of both roles led to her present work. . Melody married her husband, Todd, in July 2008 and lives in Richmond Heights. She loves using God-given talents and skills to glorify Him and to grow to be more like Jesus and help others do so. Melody loves to invest time in being with family, including six precious grandchildren, as well as in discipleship, mercy ministry, creative activities like teaching, sewing, singing, writing, and crafts. She might be found with a book in hand or enjoying the outdoors.