Gifted Gabber

As a child, Melissa Dominelli’s “motor mouth” would get her into trouble. But now, the 22-year-old is putting her superior verbal skills to use as a host and segment producer on Access Television’s Help TV.

“I’m a non-stop talker”, confesses Melissa. “So even though I got into trouble in school for talking too much, I definitely think it’s helped me now!”

Getting her big break wasn’t easy. The native Edmontonian and 2005 graduate of NAIT’s Television and Radio Arts program knew she had to attract the attention of producers, Melissa didn’t hesitate to pack up her things and relocate to Toronto to intern for CHUM Television’s international department. She gained valuable behind the scenes experience for shows like the Muchmusic Video Awards and The Junos. After a brief stint as an entertainment reporter and anchor on Rogers Television, Melissa returned home to work for Access Television as a host and segment producer on Help TV.

Currently, she is a weekend DJ on local pop music station 91.7 FM, The Bounce and, since her Toronto days, she has been a host and producer for Dottv.com, one of Canada’s fastest growing on-line entertainment channels. Melissa recently branched into acting with her first role in End of Life, an independent short film shot last December.

In her role on HelpTV, Melissa assisted viewers in coping with everyday issues. That’s a persona Melissa takes outside the studio to host and support a diverse range of events and fundraisers—from Artists Emerge national hip-hop competition for young dancers to Safeway’s Because We Care campaign for kids with cancer… from volunteering for Kids in the Hall Bistro to delivering Christmas hampers.

Though she is uncertain what the next five years hold for her, Melissa does have some advice for others who are undecided about their chosen career path.

“At the end of the day, we all have to find what makes us happy… so when you figure that out, the rest of the journey is that much easier.”

For Melissa, that means using her gift for gab to educate and entertain. √

Photo by Terry Bourque