Melissa Montoya

Melissa Montoya
Title: Associate Editor
Education: Emerson College

Melissa Montoya has been working as a journalist for over a decade. She spent years writing about crime and corruption in Florida.

She joined PEOPLE as an associate editor in December 2022.

Melissa previously worked as a digital producer at WINK News and as a watchdog reporter at the Fort Myers News-Press, where she won awards for breaking news and feature writing.

Experience

Melissa Montoya has more than a decade of professional experience as a journalist and joined PEOPLE in 2022.

Before joining PEOPLE, Melissa worked as a reporter and digital producer in Florida, including at the USA Today Network and WINK News.

Melissa has won awards for her crime coverage, breaking news and feature writing. She graduated with a Journalism degree from Emerson College in 2011.

About PEOPLE

PEOPLE, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, delivers the most trustworthy celebrity news and captivating human interest stories, connecting you to the pulse of American culture. Since our first issue hit stands in 1974, we have been striving to tell compelling stories about the people behind the issues, as opposed to just the issues themselves. We are your everyday escape, taking you inside the lives of intriguing stars, newsmakers, up-and-comers and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We serve and delight you by providing ideas about beauty, food and style through the lens of the people influencing the trends. And we are a force for good by telling stories of hope, optimism and kindness that drive conversation and inspire action. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.

Latest from Melissa Montoya

Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley
Newlyweds Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley Seen for the First Time Since Star-Studded Wedding (Exclusive Photos)
Pedestrians walk outside the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York, U.S., on Friday, April 5, 2013.
Man Jumps to His Death from Roof of Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attends the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards; Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
Meghan Markle Attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Stop in Los Angeles While Prince Harry Steps Out in Asia
Members of the NYPD respond to the disruptions caused by large crowds during a "giveaway" event hosted by popular Twitch live streamer Kai Cenat
Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat Accused of Inciting a Riot After Giveaway in N.Y.C.'s Union Square
Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel
Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel Celebrate 4-Year Anniversary
Vanessa Bryant shared a Sweet Tribute for Kobe during Taylor Swift's concert
Vanessa Bryant Shares Sweet Tribute to Kobe on Her Taylor Swift Concert Swag: 'Say You'll Remember Me'
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Lisa Marie Presley with Icelandic Glacial at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 10, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Icelandic Glacial)
Lisa Marie Presley's Cause of Death Revealed to Be Small Bowel Obstruction: Coroner
https://www.instagram.com/p/CrFRaXGr_Nn/ headline: Treat Williams' Daughter Mourns Him on Father's Day Less Than a Week After His Sudden Death: 'I Miss You'
Treat Williams' Daughter Shares Tribute a Month After His Death: 'He's Not Coming Home'
Brooke Shields New Puppy
Brooke Shields Introduces New Dog Tuzi: 'Couldn't Go Long Without Puppy Love'
Actress Eva Mendes poses during a McHappy Day visit to Ronald McDonald House in Sydney
Eva Mendes Reveals She's a 'Chauffeur' amid Her Kids' Busy Summer Plans: 'Bring Boredom Back'
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart
Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart Step Out for 'Indiana Jones' Premiere Ahead of Wedding Anniversary
chrissy teigen/Instagram
Chrissy Teigen Raves About New Baby Boy Wren's Hair with Adorable Video: 'Simple Plan Is Shaking'
Kim Kardashian/Instagram
Kim Kardashian Shares Beautiful Tribute to Daughter North West on 10th Birthday
Firefighting equipment is seen after a fire is extinguished at Warner Bros. Studios on June 30, 2023 in Burbank, California. The fire was reportedly due to electric equipment and was quickly contained by the Burbank Fire Department.
Warner Bros. Studio Fire Caused by Blown Transformer: 'More Flashy and Bad Than It Was'
Bethany Hamilton welcomes baby girl Alaya Dorothy Dirks
Bethany Hamilton Welcomes Baby No. 4: 'Meet Our Beautiful Daughter'
Kevin McKidd and his girlfriend on a safari
'Grey's Anatomy' Star Kevin McKidd and Girlfriend Danielle Savre Take Safari Getaway: 'Trip of a Lifetime'
AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 14: Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the American Freedom Tour at the Austin Convention Center on May 14, 2022 in Austin, Texas. The national event gathered conservatives from around the country to defend, empower and help promote conservative agendas nationwide. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Donald Trump Charged with Violating the Espionage Act in Historic Federal Indictment
Quentin Tarantino during the ceremony during the 76th annual Cannes film festival
Quentin Tarantino Criticizes Streaming Films: They 'Don't Exist in the Zeitgeist'
paris hilton dog death
Paris Hilton's Beloved Dog Dead at 23: 'Words Cannot Express the Immense Pain I'm Feeling Right Now'
MAY 19: Dua Lipa and Romain Gavras attend the "Omar La Fraise (The King of Algiers)" red carpet during the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 19, 2023 in Cannes, France
Dua Lipa and French Director Romain Gavras Make Red Carpet Debut at Cannes Film Festival
rihanna
Pregnant Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Name of Son, 11 Months, Revealed
MARINA DEL REY, CA - APRIL 20: Jacklyn Zeman attends "The Bay" Promotional Shoot on April 20, 2013 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)
'General Hospital' Actress Jacklyn Zeman Dead at Age 70
Drake Bell and Janet Von Schmeling
Drake Bell's Wife Janet Files For Divorce Days After He Was Reported Missing and Found Safe
Premiere Of Sony Pictures' "Baby Driver" - Arrivals
Zach Braff Addresses Criticism of 'Garden State' Almost 20 Years After Its Release