Bio

Hi and welcome to CHIME Charter School! I am Natalie Melanson and I have the privilege of being the 1st and 7th grade Special Educator for our school. Currently, I co-teach in 1st grade with Mrs. Nodal and in 7th grade with Miss Black, Ms. Chenelle and Mr. Fagan. Additionally, I am excited to be teaching Life Skills (which is an 8th grade enrichment course), with Miss Ogroskin. I graduated from California State University, Northridge with my degree in Deaf Studies and a minor in Religious Studies. Upon graduation, I then continued my education at CSUN and received teaching credential in the area of Education Specialist: teaching students with moderate to severe and multiple disabilities. Additionally, I also have a multiple subject teaching credential. While at CSUN, I have been on the Dean’s List, a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity, Pi Lambda Theta, an International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education, and continue to be a member of TASH. TASH is an international organization that is committed to supporting and providing civil rights, education, equity and independence for all individuals with disabilities.

I believe in community; a place where all students of varied abilities can be educated together and work in a collaborative manner to learn from one another. Everyone has something to contribute to the learning of all; each person is a valued member of our learning community. My goal is to teach each student how to be positively contributing members of society with an education that consists of not only lessons learned in the classroom, but those that are learned outside the classroom as well. The pedagogy of inclusion is the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. Building and maintaining positive relationships with the families I work with is essential to the success of the student. When teachers, parents and students are able to work together as a collaborative team, all benefit and the student is able to maximize his or her learning. I look forward to building a relationship and being a resource for your family!

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns!