Melanie has been a Health and Physical Education teacher for 22 years. During this time, she has served numerous roles for MOSHAPE (MIssouri Society of Health and Physical Education) including a presidential term in 2011, received numerous grants for her school, mentors new teachers, writes curriculum at the district and state level, and been awarded several service and professional awards, including MOSHAPE Physical Education Teacher of the Year for Missouri and the Central District TOY (SHAPE) Award in 2019. Melanie also gives presentations locally, regionally, and nationally on professional development for educators. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, watching their kids play sports, coaching basketball, and pitching horseshoes at the national level.