Melissa studied at the University of Minnesota and developed a broader view of the world by taking part in a study abroad teaching assignment in Zambia. In this 5 month internship she discovered a passion for education. She was hired in the Community Education Department of Minneapolis Public Schools in 2001 shortly after her return and worked at Jefferson Elementary school until graduating from the University of MN the following spring. After graduation she was hired at a private Elementary school in Minneapolis as a Spanish and Library Media skills specialist. She greatly enjoyed the team teaching opportunity in this role for over 5 years. After staying home with her young children, she returned to the education field in an early childhood setting. Over the past decade she has both volunteered and taught in many early childhood programs including: Way to Grow (Minneapolis), the YMCA , Bright Beginnings Mentoring program, a private preschool (Golden Valley) and in Hopkins early childhood programs. She started in the Hopkins Public Schools in 2017 and is thrilled to be part of the school district where her children attend.