Mertine is the founder of MELM Public Relations, an independent public relations firm that represents a diverse clientele. MELM Public Relations has provided specialized services in product merchandising, marketing, fundraising, theatrical reviews, radio show commentaries, TV, radio and stage productions. Capabilities and expertise include publicity, counseling, writing, strategic planning, event and show support, training, research and corporate event planning. Clients have included corporate enterprises, churches, social organizations, community associations, book authors, fashion designers, ministers, entertainers, talk show hosts and government agencies.

As Press Coordinator for the Frank D. Lantern Regional Center in Los Angeles, California, a service agency that caters to the developmental disabilities, Mertine was selected to host and produce a cable television program entitled A Closer Look. This program focused on developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism. The shows, some of which were live, aired over 3 cable channels to a 300,000 subscriber base. This was Mertine’s first foray into the television market.

The success of A Closer Look led to Mertine producing and hosting This Is What’s Happening Now!, a cable television program that focused on current events, local politicians, celebrities and the Summer Olympics 1984.

For nine years, Mertine produced and co-hosted with syndicated columnist and controversial journalist Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds’ radio show. Formerly known as Barbara’s Beat, Reynolds Rap aired on Radio One’s WOL-AM. This show covered the gamut from politicians, book authors, activists and celebrities. Invited to become a lead show with Radio One’s new venture with XM Satellite, Channel 169, The Power, Reynolds Rap became the number one weekend show. This revolutionary new wave in radio garnered six million listeners weekly.

Mertine partnered with Faith Productions to produce The Barbara Reynolds Special Report. First in a series of special reports hosted by Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds, the journalist known for her confrontational and controversial take on issues affecting our nation today, Why Are Black Males Killing Black Males?, was shot on location at Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in SE Washington, one of the District’s highest poverty and crime ridden neighborhoods. Speaking with parents of slain teens, this segment aired in front of the "Wall of Remembrance", a montage of photographs of young people who have been murdered in the District of Columbia.

Mertine was one of five hosts of The Bride, a Christ centered cable television program. It touched on all aspects of concerns in the body of Christ, which often times is the same as all other persons. Acting was sometimes utilized as a way of conveying messages.

Mertine was Event Coordinator for "Ain’t No Woman Like The One I Got", a national touring gospel musical play. Through outstanding press releases, Mertine booked celebrities for radio and television interviews, coordinated high school and church choirs to perform before each performance and booked celebrities to speak at local high schools.

Mertine is a member of Harriet’s, an anti-drug ministry that rescues women and men from addictions; and Evolve Women’s Network Services, support and training to women negatively impacted by incarceration.Mertine’s greatest two accomplishments are being a survivor of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a cancer of the blood; and being the mother of thirteen-year-old Harri Freddi Brockenberry. A bone narrow transplant was necessary for Mertine to live. Fortunately for her, Mertine has seven siblings and her sister, Paula Ayo, was her perfect match. On September 20, 1999, Mertine entered the National Institutes of Health for a bone marrow transplant. She thanks her Heavenly Father daily, through His son, Jesus Christ, for the opportunity to enjoy life with Harri.