Melissa J. Montgomery

Board Member

A passionate advocate with a sharp legal mind, Melissa J. Montgomery traded the Front Range for the San Juan Mountains in 2022. A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, Melissa spent 22 years specializing in estate planning and trusts—a career built on navigating complex futures with precision and care.

Since calling Durango home, Melissa has dedicated her expertise to the community’s most vital support systems. She serves as a legal guide and interpreter for clients of SASO (Sexual Assault Services Organization), helping survivors navigate the intricacies of the legal process. Her commitment to service extends through her work with the Southwest Safehouse, the Colorado Philanthropic Advisors Network, and the Women’s Estate Planning Council.

Melissa believes in meeting challenges head-on, whether in the courtroom or on the slopes. She has even spent time teaching “Never Evers” how to conquer their first turns at Purgatory. An adventurer at heart, she has backcountry skied across the globe, though she is just as likely to be found writing poetry or playing a heated game of pickleball. Most days, you can find her exploring local trails with her two favorite hiking partners: her dogs, Boomer and Winnie.