In 2000, she founded Montgomery Creek Publishing, Inc., a company publishing in history, communication, and short story fiction.  She launched an e-published literary magazine, which combines entertainment and education for national and international audiences. As Managing Editor, she administers all aspects of the magazine's publication. 

In addition, she writes a column "The Modern Renaissance Woman", which explores topics that promote a new movement for today's woman toward lifestyle enhancement. She has had various articles published in the areas of communication and public speaking and writing/publishing. Melissa is also periodically utilized as an interview resource, i.e., IParenting.com, Everything Naperville, Toastmasters International (The Toastmaster), Suburban Chicago Newspapers (Naperville Sun), to name a few.

Melissa has also been involved in the preservation of oral history for nearly ten years. Her book, "Why Do Chickens Have Feathers" (2007 release), consists of fifty stories based on the memories of her father as a boy in Crainville, Illinois during the Great Depression.  She is currently researching and conducting interviews for her next book, "Conversations: The 1920s Generation." Melissa also works as a producer documenting individual life stories. Her company Montgomery Creek Publishing has partnered with Apex Media Solutions, a full-service media production firm, to provide an Oral History Video Service. The service provides a seamless life story interview experience from the initial consultation to final production to preserve a loved one’s past for the future.

In 1997, Melissa became a member of Toastmasters International. She has served in numerous officer positions including member of the Executive Committee Board of the Oak Brook Speakers, a local chapter of Toastmasters International. She has participated as both a speech judge and contestant in Chicago area contests, and won first place in the District International Speech Contest in 2003. Newton has also worked with Borders Books & Music as a periodic speaker and newsletter contributor and covered booksignings of authors in the Chicago area.

She also enjoys a wide range of interests including Photography, Painting, and piano performance (Music). She enjoys her library of books with subjects including History, the arts, biographies, and literature. Her antique books hold a special place of honor on the shelves; her favorite books are the "History of Illinois - DuPage County" (1882), "The Poetical Works of Alfred Tennyson" (1880), and "Lady of the Lake" (Sir Walter Scott), which her Great-Grandfather received as a gift on Christmas Day in 1891.