With a warm smile and a welcoming spirit, Ms. Melina brightens up MCS every morning as she greets her students. As the Lead Preprimary Teacher, she believes deeply in creating a safe, nurturing environment where each child feels loved and valued. Watching her students’ faces light up each day is truly the highlight of her work!

Ms. Melina’s Montessori journey began close to home with her own children. After researching Montessori education, she knew it was the foundation she wanted for her kids. Visiting local Montessori schools, she was captivated by the independence and confidence she saw in young learners—qualities she now fosters daily in her own classroom. She holds a degree in Middle Childhood Education, specializing in Language Arts and Science for grades 4-9, and is just a step away from completing her Montessori certification.

Her favorite part about teaching in a Montessori classroom is “following the child”—supporting each student’s unique needs as they learn and grow. She loves that Montessori emphasizes peace, grace, and courtesy, guiding children to navigate the world with kindness. Ms. Melina is also passionate about the Montessori focus on nature, knowing that time outdoors is essential for young learners to explore and discover.

Outside of school, Ms. Melina enjoys time with her three wonderful children, who she says “make her whole.” She’s a talented singer and once performed locally with a band, though she’s taking a (hopefully temporary) break after her recent addition to the family.

Ms. Melina finds daily inspiration in her students’ excitement for learning, motivating her to create special experiences in the classroom. She’s thrilled to soon complete her Montessori certification and looks forward to many more years with her MCS family. For her, MCS isn’t just a workplace—it’s a second home filled with amazing colleagues and the joy of teaching. She wants parents to know that she is committed to providing a safe, enriching environment for their children, always seeking ways to make learning exciting and individualized.