Melissa joined South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools in 2013 as the Director of Pupil Services. Before SEL, she was the Director of Educational Reform at the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce (ODEW).  Ms. Thompson worked in Garfield Heights City Schools for 12 years in progressive positions and served as the district’s Director of Pupil Services before relocating to Columbus to work for the ODEW. 

 

Melissa intentionally chose her career in education.  She began her career in Columbus, Ohio at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch.    Her classroom experience of instructing juvenile felony offenders in the areas of social skills development and violence prevention in a joint program of Columbus City Schools and Franklin County Juvenile Court eventually led to her position in juvenile court administration where she appeared in court daily to make sentencing recommendations for adjudicated youth. While working in the court system, she determined K-12 education – prevention and early intervention – are key to the holistic development and life success of children; she decided to change careers. Holding a Master of Business Administration, and a bachelor’s in criminology with a focus on juvenile crime & delinquency, she successfully made the transition from court leadership to educational leadership by completing the First Ring Leadership Academy at Cleveland State University and securing three (3) licenses in educational leadership in the State of Ohio.  

 

Melissa is relentless in her commitment to doing what is right for children academically, socially, and emotionally. Through her leadership, she strives to make conditions right for learning and remove barriers so all students can thrive and achieve success.