Faculty & Staff Profile

Melina was born and raised on the East Coast and grew up ski racing her whole life. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont in early childhood special education and moved to Utah after graduation to ski real snow! After some time working as a special education preschool teacher, she went back to school to get her master's degree in severe disabilities from the University of Utah, and was an extensive support needs teacher at a junior high for five years. Melina is passionate about inclusion and equity for all, and making sure there is always room at the table for everyone to feel heard. She has also taught a diverse range of students from birth to 12th grade in many different capacities and environments throughout her teaching career. Outside of school, Melina loves to be in the mountains either skiing, hiking, golfing, biking, or pickleballing, or simply being home to enjoy take-out food with her husband and friends on their patio.