Melissa Schilling is a Monterey Bay-based Educational Therapist.
Her practice focuses on Multi-Sensory, Hands-ON Interventions for Student SCholars K-12.
She is currently available for hire.
Melissa Schilling and son, biking Lighthouse Field State Park.
My Background
Agro/Horticultural
Educational Therapist
Combining skill sets in KINESTHETIC LEARNING, Special Education and The beautiful outdoors have led me to a special place where RESILIENCE and compassion collide.
I am seasoned in identifying and providing targeted, multi-disciplinary interventions to K-12 students.
Master of Science, Agriculture
California Polytechnic University, 2004 – 2006
Bachelor of Arts, Communication
University of the Pacific 1997-2001
Credential, Education Specialist
(Autism, Behavior, English Learner authorizations)
CSU Monterey Bay, 2017-2019
International NGO | K-12 Education Director | Haiti, Philippines, Sioux Nation, Mexico
Project HOPE Art 2010 – Present
My Story
I worked in disaster zones around the world for a decade. After adopting my son from Haiti, I returned to California and embarked on a special education career. I apply my knowledge of individual academic skill-building needs with a deep understanding of cultures, family and hands-on learning opportunities.
In 2021, I developed outdoor learning programs with Save Our Shores, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Natural History Museum and the California State Parks - Santa Cruz County. My students have been featured in news articles about their incredibly rewarding climate resilience work.
Certified as a Horticultural Education Therapist, I provide kinesthetic Academic Practices for student scholars K-12. I use maker space kits; game play; small group interventions and outdoor settings to guide and develop students to their full potential.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education recognized me as a Teacher Leader in Sustainability for the 2022/23 school year.