Life is never without challenges. But, if we take those challenges and grow stronger from them, they become victories. 
 
My journey into real estate was anything but traditional. I’ve always loved people and connection, and that began when I grew up between two very different towns in Oregon: conservative Springfield and more progressive Eugene. Navigating both worlds made me open-minded and welcoming to diverse opinions. 
 
After college, I headed to the East Coast to be a nanny, eager to experience life outside my home state. I ended up in North Carolina, where I spent several years with a family, caring for their 4 boys. Later, I returned to Oregon to work as a nanny for a family in Portland, a job I loved and held for 11 years while working in children’s ministry. 
 
During that time, I got married and had three children of my own: Taylor, Trevor, and Tanner. What began as a love story with my children’s father, after many struggles, ended in a divorce and I became a single mother with three kids to support. For four years, I worked three jobs—as a preschool teacher, then providing after-school care, and at night, as a caregiver to my brother-in-law, who was quadriplegic. I worked hard to stay positive, move forward, and make everything work.  
 
However, life threw more challenges my way. In 2013, I entered another relationship that, over time, became psychologically abusive. As I was dealing with that difficult divorce, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and died within three weeks. These were tough times –– I became isolated and struggled with my mental health, but when I returned to church, my spirits were lifted again. 
 
 Faith is what has strengthened me in my lowest moments. My passion for faith led me to continue my education in Bible College. While there, I married my friend and fellow student, Jesse, who has three daughters—Alay, Samantha, and Alexandra. We are now one big, blended family. 
 
Years later, I began teaching theology at the same college Jesse and I attended. I felt healthier, stronger, and energetic, so in 2020, I decided to return to real estate –– a job I’d dabbed my toes into years prior. I’m a believer that teams make any work more effective and fun, so my business partner and I created a faith based real estate team! As a team of REALTORS®, we pray together, support one another spiritually, and share a basic theology.  
 
Working with seniors in real estate has been particularly rewarding. I approach it as an opportunity to show compassion and support, helping them through what can often be an emotional transition. I feel grateful that real estate allows me to serve others while still staying true to my values. 
 
Nowadays, Jesse and I love taking our dog, Mugsy, on adventures in the mountains and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. I’m also a grandmother, and spending time with my children and grandchildren brings me tremendous joy. Mission trips are close to my heart as well. Jesse and I have traveled to Mexico and Honduras for mission trips and plan more in the future. We continue to teach children’s church to kids ages 3-6 and I’m working on my doctorate in theology. 
 
Through it all, real estate has been a way to live out my beliefs, embrace new people, and make a positive contribution to my clients’ lives. 
 
My job is not about the paycheck, but about helping people on their next adventure. I feel honored to help clients through significant transitions, especially when they're facing challenging times like divorce or loss. Having experienced difficult transitions myself, I bring a deep understanding and compassion to these situations. 
 
My love for people inspires me to find them properties that support their holistic well-being –– a community that fits with their personality and a location that includes their preferred activities. A question that guides my advice is “Will this choice be healthy for them?” I’m committed to helping them not only find a house but a home that fosters a thriving, healthy life. 
 
With a keen eye for potential, I often help first-time buyers see possibilities in properties they might otherwise overlook. Yet, my clients know they can count on my honesty and integrity. I support whatever decision they make but I explain with transparency the implications of their choices. My advice will always be honest, growth-oriented, and aiming to protect them. Overall, I’m my client’s biggest cheerleader –– positive, supportive, and finding solutions that align with their goals. 

 

Sincerely, 

 
Melissa Spino 
REALTOR® and Managing Broker 
Call/Text (360) 241-9941 
melissaspino.reign@gmail.com 
melissaspinohomes.com