Melanie grew up in Germany and felt the desire to explore the world an early age. Her academic and exciting professional career in international development, political strategy, and higher education took her to countries throughout Europe, Japan and the United States. With each move, Melanie carefully studied the real estate and learned the complexities and nuances of establishing oneself in a new community. Melanie launched her real estate career in Northern Virginia and has extensive knowledge of the wide variety of neighborhoods and advantages this area has to offer. She excels at carefully listening to her clients, understanding their needs and providing them with the very best options. Additionally, she brings to real estate an exceptional cultural sensitivity, the ability to clearly communicate complicated matters and a rare level of honesty. She is fluent in English, German, and Italian. Melanie is married to Zia Tompkins, whom she met while working at the United Nations in Vienna, Austria. They have now survived the seven-year itch and multiplied times three. After living in Charlottesville, Virginia, for a number of years, they have found their dream home in Annandale, where they chase around their kids Juno, Max and little Gus Gus. If Melanie is not serving a client she enjoys walking her Schnoodle Sparkle, loves to cook, and is an avid baker. In fact, she has won the 2012 Gingerbread House competition in Charlottesville, VA, and loves to teach kids about healthy foods as a volunteer at her kids’ schools.