Experience

HostHelpr

• United States
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• CEO/Founder

  • Aug 2022 - Present

  HostHelpr is an online business directory focused on the needs of short-term rental hosts. In addition to local and remote service providers, hosts can also find advice, content, and community to support them on their hosting journey. We are currently piloting our platform in Austin, TX, and opening it up soon. HostHelpr is an online business directory focused on the needs of short-term rental hosts. In addition to local and remote service providers, hosts can also find advice, content, and community to support them on their hosting journey. We are currently piloting our platform in Austin, TX, and opening it up soon.



The Art and Science of Impact

• Strategic Management Services

• Impact Advisor and Founder

  • Feb 2021 - Present

  My consulting work spans non-profits, funders, and social enterprises. Usually, there is a strong component of strategic measurements involved (outcomes, implementation, or climate) to better understand what IS. Always, there is a thread of discovery, design, and development to maximize what COULD BE. My consulting work spans non-profits, funders, and social enterprises. Usually, there is a strong component of strategic measurements involved (outcomes, implementation, or climate) to better understand what IS. Always, there is a thread of discovery, design, and development to maximize what COULD BE.



Jelani Consulting, LLC

• United States
• Professional Training and Coaching
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Strategic Evaluation Consultant in DEI

  • Feb 2021 - Apr 2022

  I supported Jelani Consulting by conducting traditional and novel methods of measurement that highlight systemic barriers in organizations and reveal hidden assumptions that drive daily practices. Through guided data analysis and shared storytelling, we collaboratively used the data to understand each unique organization and its ongoing path towards comprehensive equity and belonging. I supported Jelani Consulting by conducting traditional and novel methods of measurement that highlight systemic barriers in organizations and reveal hidden assumptions that drive daily practices. Through guided data analysis and shared storytelling, we collaboratively used the data to understand each unique organization and its ongoing path towards comprehensive equity and belonging.



Moolah U

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Learning Science Consultant

  • Jan 2015 - Apr 2022

  Leveraging my background in educational psychology, learning science, and behavioral change, I supported Moolah U in the design of an app that revolutionizes the common allowance and empowers young people to build life-long financial skills. Leveraging my background in educational psychology, learning science, and behavioral change, I supported Moolah U in the design of an app that revolutionizes the common allowance and empowers young people to build life-long financial skills.



Austin Independent School District

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Researcher

  • Sep 2016 - Jun 2021

  Working with program managers of Social and Emotional Learning department, the Creative Learning Initiative, and several after school programs to set strategic goals and assess the ongoing implementation and impact of their programs. A quote pulled from my most recent appraisal: "I value her inquisitive nature and persistence in always asking, "Why?" Her willingness to ask the big questions that challenge the status quo makes all of our work better and more insightful. Melissa brings a wide variety of experience and perspectives to the role, allowing her to assess and anticipate challenges and goals, as well as to bring a broader context to the work. One of Melissa's super-strengths continues to be communicating with others. Again, she has been an invaluable asset to both of the primary projects she worked on this year, as she interacts very well with the program staff. She ensures that they feel heard and that they are benefiting from the evaluation work that the team does. The program staff have, as a result, become more engaged and invested in the evaluation of the program, and in making program changes as a result. In addition to all of the above, she has continued demonstrate her expertise in leadership in all that she does and I am continually impressed with her aptitude and artistry in this area." Show less



The University of Texas at Austin

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Instructor

  • Aug 2014 - Dec 2016

  Instructor of record for nine sections of the undergraduate course “21st Century Strategic Learning”: a blended learning course design to increase learning and self-regulation skills for college students through explicit instruction in educational psychology and practical habit-building course structures. A quote from my supervisors at UT: "Over the summer, we had a rare opportunity to redesign this course. We were eager to include Melissa in this effort because of her experience in designing innovative learning experiences and her demonstrated ability to think outside the box when it comes to teaching. She was instrumental in modernizing the course to better meet current students’ needs. We are already seeing the positive impacts of this redesign on both the student and instructor experience in this course." Show less



Headwaters School

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Academics

  • Aug 2006 - Jul 2014

  Started as MS and HS teacher in history, literature and dance, advanced to humanities team lead and performing arts director of events, then to Director of Academics for three years, overseeing quality of education, instruction and long term strategic program development, AP and IB coordinator, hiring, firing and development of teachers. Also served as Co-Director of upper school. Major Accomplishments: ● IB Diploma program feasibility study, strategic plan and implementation ● Improved teacher retention and development, creation and implementation of long term appraisal plan centered around individual professional paths based on collaborative reflective practices ● Enhanced teacher leadership structure (creating and supporting effective staff committees, introduction of instructional coaches & team leaders to school leadership structure) ● Recruiting and managing teacher contracts, schedules and long term development ($1.5 million in salaries) ● Increased academic achievement without sacrificing community spirit of the school (increased average AP test scores while increasing participation, as well as improved ITBS scores for all grades) ● Vertical alignment of all objectives in all subjects, taking from Common Core, IB, TEKS and teacher knowledge—managed creation of course sites for every course with coordinated scope and sequence that is flexible enough to allow teachers substantial autonomy ● Institutionalized 6-12th grade SEL curriculum, community service program, and wellness classes ● Created structures that support global mindedness—taking foreign language program from 3 year sequence to 7 year sequence, growing international trips, school wide philanthropy project to create increased access to education around the world ● Advocated for self-generated learning—improved and managed school wide independent project structure, individualized graduation plans, internships and teaching assistantships. Show less