
Looking back, it is easy to see that the Lord has been preparing Melissa for her current role as Head of School for a long time. Melissa brings a heart for children to know Jesus and her natural administrative skills to serve Ark Academy well.
Melissa has spent almost 20 years educating children. What started as teaching children at a day care facility, led to creating summer-filled fun for elementary aged kids in her home. Then her passion for children continued to grow as she opened a ministry teaching Bible classes to the children in her community. Eventually she opened Noah’s Ark Preschool that has served over 100 children over the past 11 years.
Sprinkled throughout Melissa’s career she has spent 25+ years in various administrative roles. Some of her roles included Superintendent Secretary, Administrative Assistant for a CEO, a Design Director, and an Engineer as well as a business owner herself.
Toward the end of 2021 Melissa recalls the Lord calling her to start Ark Academy. Melissa has a deep commitment to creating fun and positive opportunities for all children to discover a desire for learning. Part of her drive comes from redeeming her own educational experiences as a student herself and as a mother.
Melissa cares deeply about her students, enjoys watching them investigate the world around them and declaring God’s truth, which then helps them find purpose and provides the hope they need to know they can accomplish more than they think they can!
Melissa and her husband have been married for almost 30 years. They have been active members of the Belle Plaine community their entire marriage. In their down time you can find them enjoying the outdoors together around their camper down by the river. At the river they spend time four-wheeling, fishing, or just relaxing by the fire. Together, Russ and Melissa have four children and eight grandchildren that keep them young and having lots of fun!
Romans 8:28 (ESV) says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Melissa knows with confidence that she has been called and looks forward to watching how God grows the Ark Academy for His purpose!
Let us not grow weary of doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9)!