For most of her life, Melanie Yoes has been living in dysfunction and addiction. In a home where both parents were drug addicts, her early
teenage pregnancy, and a drug and alcohol filled life, she spent most of her life surrounded by the world of addiction.

Melanie was born and raised in Stockton. She attended local elementary schools, and attended Franklin High School, until she became pregnant at the age of 14. Dropping out of school, Melanie stayed with her father who had taken ill, caring for both him and her new baby Ricky.