I am an elementary special education teacher in Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV. I began teaching in 2000 as a 2nd grade teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. After teaching for five years in general education environments, I transitioned to special education in 2005 to better manage my own disability. In this capacity, I served students with a wide variety of disabilities within the continuum of supports. Starting in 2013, I served several years as an instructional coach and central office administrator for instructional technology before returning to the classroom in 2019.
I collect degrees and badges. This habit started when my high school guidance counselor predicted I wouldn’t make it at the university level. Since then I have earned bachelor’s degree from University of CA, Davis and master’s degrees from University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher in Exceptional Needs. I hold 5 Google Badges: Google Educator Level 1 and 2, Google for Education Trainer and Innovator, and is a G Suite Certified Administrator.
When not pursuing learning, Melissa is obsessed with her cats and enjoys exploring different artistic mediums and has committed to creating every day!!
You can also check out my current project page to find out what I am currently working on.