Meet Nicole
A Soldier's Daughter, A Mother of Five, A Voice for the Vulnerable
Portrait Photo
From Military Bases to the Utah State House
Nicole Melling was born in Germany, the daughter of an Army helicopter pilot. Growing up on military bases taught her the values that still guide her today: service, sacrifice, and putting country before self.
Those same values led her to a career in healthcare—and now, to a campaign for the Utah State House.
Education & Career
Nicole earned her undergraduate degree from Utah State University before pursuing advanced education at Brigham Young University. She completed her Master's degree at Weber State University, becoming a Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner.
Today, she specializes in working with at-risk children and adolescents—young people who often fall through the cracks of our systems. This work has given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing Utah families and the policies that either help or hinder their success.
A Family Built on Love
Nicole and her husband faced years of infertility before discovering their calling as foster parents. In 2012, they adopted five children from the foster care system—siblings who needed a permanent, loving home.
“These kids taught me more about resilience, hope, and the power of second chances than I could ever teach them,” Nicole says. “They're the reason I believe so deeply in fighting for Utah's most vulnerable families.”
Why She's Running
As a nurse, Nicole has spent her career diagnosing problems and developing treatment plans. Looking at Utah's state government, she sees a system that's unwell: dominated by one-party rule, lacking transparency, and too often serving special interests over everyday families.
“I'm not running because I have all the answers,” she explains. “I'm running because I know how to listen, how to diagnose, and how to work toward real solutions. Utah needs representatives who will ask tough questions and demand accountability—not rubber stamps.”
In Her Own Words
“I've seen what happens when systems fail people—in healthcare, in foster care, in education. But I've also seen what happens when someone steps up to fight for change. That's what I intend to do in the State House. Not as a partisan warrior, but as a healer who believes our democracy is worth fighting for.”
Ready to Stand Up with Nicole?
Join our campaign and help bring a fresh voice to the Utah State House. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, every action makes a difference.