Melissa has spent over 20 years teaching young children in various capacities, but her passion for children and education began when she was a child herself.  As a second grader, Melissa recalls helping a fellow student understand subtraction by looking at it as backward addition. Seeing the spark of understanding in the child’s eye, and feeling the satisfaction of helping others, sent Melissa on the path to becoming an educator and she never looked back.  From that day forward she has focused on sparking understanding and a joy of learning in as many children as possible. Melissa is now dedicated to helping Lorraine find the resources, services, and accommodations needed to bring that spark to students with dyslexia.  

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Melissa Knows From Personal Experience

From over twenty years in the school system, Melissa has seen first hand the impact on students, their parents, teachers and administrators when a child with special needs doesn’t have the accommodations they need.

 

She learned:

• That although dyslexia is the most common learning disability, many educators lack the training and support to identify and successfully teach these students. 

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• Children with disabilities often need accommodations to help them access the curriculum.

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• It is difficult for teachers, therapists and administrators to reach each child in need with appropriate interventions.

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• Parents often lack a full understanding of the special education process, thus resulting in their need for support in advocating for their child.

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Expertise and Awards

• Certified Dyslexia Advocate - Dyslexia Training Institute in San Diego, California

• Licensed Virginia Teacher

• Outstanding Substitute Teacher Award

• First-Year Teacher of the Year Nomination

• Provider of Teacher Training 

• Featured Teacher in Smithsonian/Annenberg teacher training video series “Essential Science for Teachers”

• Curriculum Development Teams for Frederick County, MD Public Schools

• Online Professional Training in Education - University of LaVerne

• BS Elementary Education - University of Maryland, College Park

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​​Volunteer Work in Education

• Coached local robotics team

• Parent Teacher Association (PTA) member, served on multiple committees

• Coordinated multiple Odyssey of the Mind teams, including a team that won the World Championship

• Parent volunteer in schools

• Taught preschool classes for local MOMS Club

• Served as a board member of the local MOMS Club

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