Melissa
Melissa was born and raised right here in Iowa. Although she grew up in southwest Iowa (about as close to Missouri and Nebraska as you can get!), she has called eastern Iowa home for 15 years. She and her husband Eric live in North Liberty, along with their 4 year-old daughter Kennedy. Melissa attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her BA in Early Childhood Special Education and her MAE in K-6 Learning Disabilities. She currently teaches kindergarten for the Clear Creek Amana School District, where she has taught for 14 years. In her spare time, Melissa loves to be outside playing or working on projects in their yard, spending time with family and friends, and baking up goodies for her family. She also enjoys taking walks with their two dogs, plump beagle Lenny and shy dachshund-beagle mix Cooper. Life as a full-time working mommy keeps her very busy, but Melissa wouldn't have it any other way!
5 Secrets For Raising Avid Readers
Have you ever thought about how many things a day you read? Pause for a moment and review your day. I'm guessing you'll find that you are reading something different all of the time....
We Feel You: A Note From Your Child’s Teacher
You’ve purchased all of the school supplies your child needs. Their backpack is full and ready to go. Your child’s favorite lunch foods are packed, and you even had time to stick a little...
Infertility: The Pain, The Emotions, The Reality
Do you know how hard it is to wait for something that has a large chance of never happening? And did you know that there is actually something even more excruciating than that? There...
Summer Family Vacation: On the Road Again
In a matter of a few days, we will be embarking on the longest road trip we have taken together as a family. A 15 hour road trip, to be exact, with our 5-year-old...
School Is Out: Fun Traditions For the Last Day of School
The school year is almost over. The end of the school year is a time to celebrate with your child. They have worked hard for 180 days and are ready to have a little...
Sweet and Simple Mother’s Day Craft
As a kindergarten teacher, I have done countless craft and paint projects with my students as gifts for their parents that involved handprints, fingerprints, tearing paper, tracing, cutting, and so many other things. Some...
Break Time With Brut: A Mimosa With a Twist
Sometimes you just need a little time by yourself. A break from the everyday grind of work, kids, and everything in between. We all have those moments, right? In my opinion, something that always makes...
Infertility Awareness: Please Don’t Suffer In Silence
What’s the darkest most depressing word you can think of? For me, the answer is the word infertility. Yup, that’s it. Not a word that is morbid or horrific. Just a normal, everyday medical...
Sun Safety: DON’T Feel the Burn!
Spring is here and summer will be upon us soon. Both are my favorite seasons, as I love to be outside taking in the fresh air and sunshine. For the past several years though,...
My Child Is Delayed: Now What?
Parenthood is a scary, scary adventure. Every parent worries about if they are doing things right and if they are helping their child be their best self. Sometimes though, the realization that maybe your...