I’m a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins University in their Mind, Brain, and Teaching track. My research explores how systemic inequities to the full-inclusion U.S. secondary education model impact the social-emotional well-being and academic achievement of our neurodivergent students. My Master’s degree is in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University, with concentrations in Secondary English Language Arts and Special Education, and I graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor’s in Government and Spanish.
MELISSA SULLIVAN
I have always been passionate about supporting, uplifting, and caring for those around me: I am the eldest of four siblings and was raised in a three-generation household. I was born on Long Island, NY and raised in CT with my Italian grandmother “Nonna,” parents, and siblings. I grew up understanding the nuances of disabilities by seeing the world through the eyes of my Nonna, mother, and younger sister. I always loved working with children, and as a career-switch educator, I am proud to have had my experience primarily in Special Education and Academic Intervention.
Professional Bio
I believe education is my calling and I love working with neurodivergent students. My teaching career began in New Orleans, and I’ve worked in high schools throughout the region for seven years. I enjoy working with students from their freshman through senior year to both prepare and instill confidence in them before they pursue their post-secondary options.
In addition to my teaching experience, I have spent the last three years in school leadership as a Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator. This role has allowed me to reach more students through coaching my amazing academic intervention team, partnering with instructional coaches and general education teachers, collaborating with families, and leading co-teaching professional development. Through this, I’m able to model personalized instruction and Universal Design for Learning so educators can bring that to their classrooms.
While education fulfills a great part of my life, I am also in the process of planning a wedding with my fiance, who I met shortly after moving to New Orleans. We enjoy the vibrancy of our home and can be found listening to live music, eating delicious food, or walking our dog throughout the area.
