Melissa graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1996. She then pursued a Secondary Teacher Certification Program in Mathematics at Chatham University, earning her Pennsylvania Certification in January 1997. Later, she completed her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at The Pennsylvania State University in 2004.

For the past twenty years, Melissa has been shaping young minds at Kiski Area High School in Vandergrift, PA. Her courses have ranged from AP Calculus AB and BC to AP Computer Science Principles and Introduction to Computer Programming in Java. Additionally, she has had the privilege of instructing Kiski Area students for college credit programs at both the University of Pittsburgh and Seton Hill University.

Melissa has been deeply involved in various educational initiatives, including serving as a reader for the AP Calculus AB/BC exams and as a presenter/consultant for College Board AP Calculus Exam preparation through the National Math and Science Initiative. Her commitment to professional development is evident in her attendance at workshops and conferences, where she continually refines her teaching strategies and incorporates the latest educational technologies.

Melissa’s dedication to teaching has been recognized through awards such as the Kiski Area School District Secondary Teacher of the Year and the United States Navy Outstanding Teaching Award. Additionally, her students consistently achieve outstanding results on AP exams, with qualifying scores consistently exceeding 90% with 100% participation.

Outside of teaching, Melissa can be found on the cross-country trails or track, coaching students in athletics. She believes in the holistic development of young individuals and strives to inspire them both inside and outside the classroom.