Melissa Aschenbach

Melissa Aschenbach has a diverse range of work experience, starting in 2002 as an Instructor and Curriculum Designer for multiple school districts. Melissa then worked as an Instructor and Curriculum Designer at Northbrook Junior High School from 2004 to 2013, where they focused on data-driven instructional methods and integrating web-based software.

From 2013 to 2018, Melissa served as an Instructor and Curriculum Designer at both Fremont Union High School District and Palo Alto Unified School District. In this role, they designed and implemented social-emotional based curriculum for at-risk learners and presented at an international professional organization conference on student mental health.

Melissa transitioned into a leadership role in 2018, becoming the Department Lead for Learning & Professional Development at Fremont Union High School District. Melissa mentored and supported staff members, improved employee performance through check-ins and trainings, and facilitated special education meetings. Melissa also oversaw student Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and repaired a toxic work culture by building supportive relationships and aligning a vision.

From 2020 to 2022, Melissa worked as a Job Coach at Fremont Union High School District, where they led onboarding and training initiatives for new hires. Melissa developed customized growth plans and achieved excellent results by analyzing learning and performance data.

In 2022, Melissa joined Wonderschool as a Program Manager, recruiting and coaching new in-home child care providers. Melissa implemented adult learning practices through virtual training courses and provided customized support through coaching sessions.

Most recently, Melissa joined ATD Greater Las Vegas in 2023 as a General Member. Melissa is also the Founder of Reno Women for Good at Grapevine.

Melissa Aschenbach pursued their education chronologically starting from their undergraduate studies in Special Education and Teaching at Winona State University, where they attended from 1997 to 2001. Melissa then enrolled at Lewis University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education in 2002. Melissa continued their academic journey by pursuing a Masters in Reading from Northeastern Illinois University, from 2007 to 2010, focusing on Reading Teacher Education. In 2014, they furthered their education by earning a Clear Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development Certificate from UC San Diego Extended Studies, completing this program in 2016. Lastly, in 2017, Melissa attended Loyola Marymount University for a short period to participate in a program focused on Facilitating Discussions About Violence & Trauma.