Melissa Hernandez is a former Los Angeles Times reporter who covered breaking news across Southern California. A graduate of the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and environmental science, she is a three-time Society of Professional Journalists award winner. Her bylines have also appeared in the Associated Press, U.S. News and World Report, the Chicago Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle. After leaving Los Angeles, Melissa earned her real estate license and founded HomeFetch: a media brand and property platform created to help dogs and their humans find homes that truly fit their lifestyle. A devoted dog lover, she brings her passion for pets and storytelling to every assignment. At the St. John’s Citizen, Melissa covers a variety of topics, with a focus on pets, people and the places they call home.