My name is Melissa. I live in Fresno, CA. I am a mother to eight wonderful children, ages 7 to 27. My 7^th 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 6^th 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 12^th 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 4^th grade homeroom teacher – and while my 4^th graders are on lunch – I teach 7^th 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