Personal Summary

With a multifaceted career spanning various roles at the University of Montana, Melissa brings a diverse background of experience and expertise to Special Education. She has served as adjunct faculty, research assistant, curriculum developer, education consultant, and project coordinator for the College of Education, the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Success, and the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities. Melissa's dedication to instructional methods for supporting students with disabilities, encompassing Universal Design for Learning, Differentiation, and Inclusion, has been a cornerstone of her work. Since 2016, she has taught various courses for the Department of Teaching and Learning, mainly focusing on Secondary Transition and Community Supports. She enjoys facilitating career readiness development through dynamic coursework and transformative fieldwork experiences. Her commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the classroom, as she has contributed to developing and disseminating research-based instructional resources and products, alongside delivering professional development via webinars, conferences, and workshops. 

A proud Griz alum, Melissa pursued a Master's in Education with a Special Education Endorsement while participating in the Training Teachers to Ensure Achievement and Membership (TTEAM) project. Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, this special project enhanced school and teacher capacity to support students with low-incidence disabilities effectively. Her multifaceted background, commitment to inclusive education, and dedication to community betterment have fueled her journey in Higher Education, where she continues to enjoy making a lasting impact on students and educators alike.