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       Melissa Ugarte has worked in schools in many different capacities to support teaching and learning. She easily and naturally builds rapport with students as a warm demander in ways that result in students’ improved academic achievement. Through consistency, genuine warmth, and a true commitment to students and staff, Melissa has had a great deal of success in her roles. As a former colleague, I observed her patience, joy, and expansive toolbox of strategies that help students engage in learning experiences. She has a beautiful way of affirming students and staff wholly so that regardless of challenging moments, they are never defined by those moments. With these skills, Melissa has worked in collaboration with educators and administrators to build classroom and school culture and, in this venture, will be able to expand her impact to help equip educators and administrators with the training and skills to improve outcomes in their contexts. With her expertise and experience, Melissa will help educators feel more empowered in their classrooms to do the work they were trained to do.

Malika Ali
Highlander Institute, RI