Fun Facts

I am an avid hiker and log about 500 miles on the trails each year!

About Me

Hello! My name is Melinda. I hold a license in Comprehensive Special Education, and I have been teaching special education across subjects for over a decade! Call me crazy, but I love middle school math (someone has to, right?!). More importantly, I love working with students to build lasting relationships and teaching essential skills that will allow students to be successful throughout their entire educational career.

Experience

I hold a license in Comprehensive Special Education, grades K-12. I worked as a classroom special education teacher for ten years, teaching small group classes in English, Reading, and Math while also supporting my students in science, US history, and various electives. I minored in Spanish as an undergrad and am confident in my ability to teach introductory Spanish lessons.
I am currently employed as a faculty member at a large public university, where I do 1:1 advising and lecture on career-r

Approach

It's essential to remember that every student is different and may have unique needs. It is essential to meet a student where they are. Building rapport and developing relationships lead to better outcomes, so that is a key piece of my practice. Students are more willing to take risks and are more open to feedback when they feel cared about and heard. Thus, I take the time to do those things.
Another part of my approach is to make work or lessons meaningful to the student. For example, I worked