Melissa has spent over 10 years working as a Special Education teacher supporting a wide range of students with unique learning needs. She began teaching at Appletree in 2009, where she specialized in working with students diagnosed with learning disabilities and attentional disorders. In 2011, she left Appletree to begin her comprehensive training and specialization in Direct Instruction. As a Remediation Specialist, she implemented customized remedial programs in a one-on-one teaching environment and conducted systematic assessments that allowed for accurate identification of gaps in reading, writing and mathematical skills. Melissa is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers. She received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology from York University and went on to complete her Bachelor of Education degree with Primary/Junior qualifications at Charles Sturt University. She is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed Additional Qualifications in Special Education, English as a Second Language and Kindergarten. She is also a member of the National Institute for Direct Instruction. Melissa brings her experience and strong understanding of phonological awareness and early reading skills to Appletree, and enjoys making learning to read fun and meaningful for her students.

Melissa’s dedication to student learning brought her back to Appletree in 2018 as the Managing Director. Her primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive. Some of her responsibilities include conducting student intakes, developing instructional plans, and liaising with parents and teachers. In her free time, Melissa enjoys movie nights with her husband and daughter, playing board games, trying out new recipes, and sharing great meals and laughs with her friends.