Melissa Thompson

Position: Director of Special Education and Student Services

Melissa Thompson began her journey in education at Goshen College, IN where she earned a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education. She joined PCCS in 2009 as a Special Education Resource teacher, quickly finding inspiration in the school’s close-knit community and collaborative staff. In 2016, Melissa furthered her expertise by obtaining an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Environmental Education from Concordia University-Portland.

Melissa has been involved with many aspects of learning and development at PCCS, including the original Glee Club (now Drama Club), the Green Team, Multi-Tiered System of Supports team (MTSS), Teacher Mentoring, Teacher Mentor Coordinator, and assisting in the writing of the Staff Evaluation plan. In 2022, she embraced the role of Director of Student Services while pursuing a director endorsement at National Louis University. In 2024, Melissa became the Director of Special Education and Student Services.

Her favorite quote is:

“When inclusive education is fully embraced, we abandon the idea that children have to become ‘normal’ in order to contribute to the world. We begin to look beyond typical ways of becoming valued members of the community, and in doing so, begin to realize the achievable goal of providing all children with an authentic sense of belonging.” ― Norman Kunc