Melissa S. Clanton graduated magna cum laude on Dec. 15, 2007 from Florida State University with a master’s in music therapy, ending with a G.P.A of 3.89. While attending FSU, she was asked to be in the prestigious Florida State Jazz Ensemble as a vocalist for the group Also she was installed into the Pi Kappa Lamba Honor Society and remained on the dean’s list throughout her college career.

Clanton graduated high school in 2001 from Fayette Christian in Fayetteville. She then received her associate’s degree in music in 2003 and her bachelor in music with an emphasis on church music ministry in 2005 from Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Ga. Clanton was the first-ever student to receive a bachelor degree from Truett-McConnell College as this was the first four year degree offered. She was accepted to attend Florida State University College of Music upon graduation from Truett-McConnell.

Clanton is actively involved with the Agape Ranch for Children with Autism by leading the camp’s music program every June in Cleveland, Ga. She completed her internship at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital becoming certified in music therapy with specialties in neonatal intensive care, geriatric’s, pediatric’s rehabilitation, autism and is a member of the National Association of Music Therapists.

Clanton has accepted a full time position in Tallahassee, Fla. with the Big Bend Hospice Center as a music therapist. She also is an active member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church, and involved in her church by helping with music, singing in the praise team, leading children’s choir and she has helped create a new Sunday school class for upper graduate students and young single adults. At this time, she is instrumental in the beginning of a new ministry on the Florida State University campus for graduate students. They will be involved via the Baptist Student Union.

She is the daughter of Chuck and Debbie Clanton of Fayetteville, Ga. Her father serves as president elect of the Fayette County Civitan Club.