Hello!  My name is Melissa and this is my 6th year teaching at Highland Park Elementary.  I have been teaching in St. Paul for 13 years. I began teaching in 1997-2000 and then took 11 years off to stay home with my 3 children. I live in Rosemount MN with my husband, Brent.  Our oldest, Noah, is now 25 years old and works and lives on his own. Sophia is 23 and working and applying to medical schools. Our youngest daughter, Tessa, is 20 and attends Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. She is majoring in dance and is part of the spirit dance team.

I teach 1/2 day classes one in the morning and another in the afternoon for children 3-5 years old that have an Individual Education Plan.  

I have an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of St. Thomas. I love working with young children and am passionate about supporting kids and families in the beginning steps of preschool and moving into kindergarten.  I am excited for a new school year to work with wonderful children, families, and staff.