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“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.”

— E.O. Wilson

“To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.”

~Proverbs 19:8

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Greetings Everyone,

My name is Melissa. I live in Fresno, CA. I am a mother to eight wonderful children, ages 7 to 27. My 7th child, Madison has intellectual disabilities. Raising her is what first piqued my interest in Special Education. I have been teaching in various unorthodox capacities for the last 12 years. I began as a Chaplain at two women’s rehabilitation and homeless shelters. I taught Biblical interpretation, life skills, wholesome living, and parenting courses. During my undergrad program I became a tutor for cohorts who were struggling with APA 6th edition, syntax, grammar, and basic writing skills. In my final year of the undergrad program, I became an online ESL teacher. I taught English to children in China, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands, and other places around the world. In the midst of the political backdrop of the last two years, the companies I was working for (each based in China) were shut down by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) so I found myself looking for employment elsewhere.

My journey led me to Fresno Unified School District where I worked as a Speech and Language Pathology Paraeducator. I worked with all ages Pk to 12th grade. My students were both mild to moderate and moderate to severe. I found the work very rewarding. In fact, I changed credentialing programs. I no longer seek a general ed credential but am here with you all in the Special Ed program pathway. Unfortunately, I came down ill with COVID and had to quit that position due to health issues. I am currently working as a teacher of record at a private school where I am the 4th grade homeroom teacher – and while my 4th graders are on lunch – I teach 7th grade history.

I look forward to working with each of you. May we glean from one another and learn much. I wish each of you well on your journey. Here’s to an awesome eight weeks!

-Mel