Biography of Melanie Tacti

Melanie Tacti was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and received the nickname “Smiling Eyes” from a beloved grandmother. Raised in the small riverside town of Lake Asbury, he spent most of his childhood near the water, surrounded by nature, and supported by a tight-knit family that helped shape his early values

Melanie McAlister Tacti's parents were significant influences in his life, and he often credits them, along with an older brother, for being foundational to his upbringing From a young age, his presence left a positive impression wherever he went. The family home was a neighborhood

activity center where laughter and shared moments created lasting bonds with friends and neighbors.

As a child, Melanie gravitated toward physical activity and thrived in sports. He was a competitive gymnast until a back injury at 12 required a shift. That change led him into cheerleading, where he also excelled His leadership abilities became apparent quickly as he rose to captain every cheerleading team he joined. The role came naturally, aligning with his ability to motivate and connect with others

Tacti was a strong student, especially in science and math, and graduated with honors from Middleburg High School At that point, his ambitions included attending either the University of Florida or Florida State and aiming for a cheerleading scholarship to support his continued academic journey.

A Cheerleader for Life

From middle school, Melanie had a clear vision: to become a cheerleader Still, he didn’t initially expect where that path would take him. One weekend, a close friend encouraged him to try out for the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL cheerleading team, The Roar Although he had never pictured himself cheering professionally and often identified more with a tomboyish spirit, he chose to audition.

The tryouts were demanding and lasted two months, but his determination paid off Tacti secured a spot on the team and cheered from 1999 to 2001. His role extended beyond local games He participated in three USO tours in the Middle East, representing the Jaguars and performing for U.S. troops. These experiences helped him grow in ways that extended far beyond the sport, giving him insight into service, team spirit, and resilience.

A Heart for Healing

When his cheerleading career ended, he found a new purpose in healthcare While working, he enrolled in college and earned a degree from St. Leo University. His academic efforts led him to a job at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, where he worked as a radiation therapist For seven years, Melanie stood alongside patients during some of the most challenging times of their lives These experiences profoundly impacted him and helped shape his future direction.

In 2009, he decided to expand his role in cancer care He returned to school to become a medical dosimetrist. This specialized field involves planning radiation doses for cancer treatment an essential but less visible part of patient care The job demands precision, as the goal is to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues. Today, Tacti holds the position of Chief Medical Dosimetrist at Terk Oncology, a role he reached through hard work and ongoing commitment to excellence

Despite the technical nature of his profession, he remains focused on people To him, the work is more than just calculations and plans. Every patient is treated with individual attention, and many become like family He devotes significant time and energy to ensuring everyone receives thoughtful, personalized care.

Family, Fitness, and Finding Joy

His life outside of work centers around his family Melanie and his husband, Lundy, have been married since June 21, 2014 In keeping with their spontaneous nature, they decided to get married in Las Vegas, reflecting their love for authenticity and living in the moment.

They have two children, Presli (9) and Kane (5) They value travel, music, and supporting the Jacksonville Jaguars as a family. They generously share their time and energy and look for new ways to make meaningful memories

Tacti also prioritizes health and balance. Regular workouts at Orange Theory provide structure and strength, helping him stay focused and grounded At home, their Maine Coon cat, Zeus, adds a bit of fun and personality to the daily routine.

Proud Moments and Perspective

Becoming Chief Medical Dosimetrist is a standout achievement among the many milestones in his life However, he also takes pride in earlier accomplishments, such as his gymnastics and professional cheerleading years. The USO tours remain a meaningful part of his story, as those moments gave him a greater appreciation for service and unity

Another notable chapter was his first marriage to Jaxson de Ville, who performed as the Jacksonville Jaguars mascot It became a known story within the community and remains a topic that occasionally surfaces online. Melanie looks at that time with understanding and perspective. During that period, he used the name Dvorak, and his maiden name was McAlister. His current husband fully supports how this earlier experience shaped who he is today, and there’s no hesitation in sharing it as part of his larger journey.

What Next?

Melanie continues to move forward with a strong sense of purpose The last seven years have presented many challenges, but with the support of family, a strong sense of faith, and a focus on helping others, he looks ahead with hope and energy.

Although he hasn’t aligned himself with a specific nonprofit, giving back is already a central part of his professional and personal life. The desire to serve is deeply woven into all he does and will continue to be a guiding force

Whether designing radiation plans, supporting his children’s interests, or finding small moments of connection throughout the day, Melanie Tacti brings consistent care, focus, and integrity to each role he plays