About

Throughout her childhood, Miss Melissa was actively involved in school choirs, dance performances, and musicals. She graduated with honors from Piscataway High School in 1993, where she was a member of the award-winning Concert Choir and held leading roles such as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

In July 1998, she earned her Kindermusik certification and began teaching that fall. She later graduated cum laude from Rowan University in May 1999 with a B.A. in Music. Over the past 25+ years, Miss Melissa has taught in a wide range of roles, including piano and vocal instructor, camp counselor and director, after-school teacher, dance teacher, preschool music educator, and substitute teacher.

She has been an active member of professional groups such as the Charlottesville Music Teachers Association and the Blue Ridge Partnership for Kindermusik Educators, and previously taught music at Millstone of Ivy Preschool, Effort Christian School, and The Light Academy before moving to North Chesterfield with her family in May 2020.

Miss Melissa also operated a thriving piano and vocal studio in Fluvanna County for many years, regularly teaching 20+ students. She is currently a fully accredited Kindermusik educator at Little Sunshine Music Studio.

Beyond teaching, she is deeply involved with Camp Happy Times, a one-week summer camp for children with cancer, where she has served as a counselor since 1998.

Miss Melissa lives with her partner, Matt, her daughter, Meredith, and her mother, Debbie. In her (rare!) spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, attending concerts, and relaxing with family and friends.