BACKGROUND​

Melissa holds a master’s degree in Special Education from Xavier University, and her teaching journey has expanded from early intervention to homeschooling her own children and serving as president and preschool teacher at her homeschool co-op. Each of these experiences has deepened her passion for fostering a love of learning in young children. She believes preschool lays the foundation for a lifelong sense of wonder and a lifelong love of learning.

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Her faith is at the heart of everything she does, and she loves helping children discover God through prayer, His creation, and the beauty found in everyday learning. Her hope is that each child leaves her classroom with joyful memories, meaningful friendships, and a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning and of Christ.

 

Melissa feels overjoyed to be the PreK teacher at Archangels Academy. She and her husband Brendan  have two amazing children who attend Archangels, and she feels her family has been blessed by this wonderful school community.

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When not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with my family. She loves traveling, taking our two Cocker Spaniels for walks, praying the rosary, and exploring new places. She also enjoys getting lost in a good book and creating delicious dinners from around the globe for anyone gathered around her dinner table.  

 

WHY IS PRESCHOOL IMPORTANT TO THE EDUCATIONAL FORMATION OF YOUTH?

Preschool is important to the educational formation of youth because for many children, it is their first experience in a structured classroom. It may be the first time they are away from the security of their parents and have the opportunity to build relationships with peers their own age. A well-prepared classroom supports children’s social, emotional, physical and language development while fostering curiosity, independence and a love of learning. 

 

In my classroom, students will have the freedom to explore within a thoughtfully prepared environment. They will learn they are created in the image and likeness of God and are therefore deserving of respect. Preschool is a time to build academic foundations but also to nurture wonder, virtue and a deep love for God and His creation. By cultivating the whole child-mind, body and soul-we help prepare children for a lifetime of joyful learning, faithful discipleship and service to others. 

 

WHY ARCHANGELS ACADEMY?

As a parent of two children at Archangels Academy, my family has quickly come to love the community at our school. The genuine relationships rooted in our shared faith and values have been such a blessing to our family. To now have the opportunity to serve as a teacher and help form the hearts and minds of our youngest students is both a privilege and an honor. 

 

I’m excited to build relationships with each child, discover their unique gifts and create a classroom where they feel known, loved and encouraged to grow. My hope is that each student leaves my classroom with a sense of wonder, a deep love for God and the boldness to joyfully become the disciple He is calling them to be. 

 

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE STUDENTS OF ARCHANGELS ACADEMY?

I will bring joy, a love of learning and opportunities to cultivate a sense of wonder about God’s world. I will create a classroom rooted in peace, order and security, where every child will experience a sense of belonging and is encouraged to grow. 

 

My hope is that students look forward to coming to school each day, encountering God in every aspect of our learning, and delight in discovering the beauty, truth, and goodness woven throughout His creation. Above all, I hope they leave each day with joyful hearts, curious minds and a growing love for God.

 

HOW IS YOUR FAITH INTEGRATED INTO YOUR CLASSROOM AND PRESCHOOL?

My faith naturally shapes everything we do together. We will begin and end our day with prayer, learn about saints around the world, celebrate liturgical seasons and grow in our understanding of Scripture and the Catholic faith. Through all of our lessons, I will continually point the children back to God by helping them recognize His presence in the beauty of the world and the goodness we see in each other. 

I also believe faith is formed through the culture of the classroom. By modeling kindness, patience, forgiveness, gratitude, and respect, I hope to help children experience Christ's love in tangible ways. Ultimately, I hope my students come to learn that every lesson, every friendship and every act of kindness is an opportunity to know and love God more deeply.