Melissa Jane Pascual grew up in Queens, New York before moving to California. She attended KIPP Summit Academy and KIPP King Collegiate High School, and continued her education at UC San Diego where she majored in General Biology. She received her Masters in Education and teaching credential at UCSD where she was able to apply what she learned through teaching Middle School Bilingual Science at National City Middle School. She relocated to the Bay Area to her former high school teaching Science classes for 5 years, teaching Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Biology before becoming a Content Specialist/Assistant Principal coaching both Math and Science teachers. She now currently serves as the Interim School Leader. In her free time, Melissa enjoys crafting, painting, and spending time with her family and friends.