Aloha! I am Melissa and I’m excited to be back teaching at Belvedere. I have a BS in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and a Masters in Divergent Learning from Columbia College in South Carolina. I have taught 4-year-olds through second grade in public and private schools.

“Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” - Lilo and Stitch

My family is my everything, be it home family or school family. I have a wonderful husband, Rod, who is also my class photographer and helper. We have two grown sons who are living out my dream on tropical islands, Oahu and Okinawa, a beautiful daughter in law, and the most darling grandson. I also have hundreds of school children who still fill my heart with joy and am excited to add more children to the family! If I am not busy with my family, be it home or school, you’ll find me exploring our nation’s capital, watching college football and futbol, and planning the next travel adventure.

“Ideas come from curiosity.” - Walt Disney

I love that working in an IB school allows children to drive their learning in the direction of their curiosity and to take action with their new knowledge. I am excited to see their ideas take shape this year and in the future!