Ms. Morales has known she wanted to work with preschool age children since she was as young as kindergarten age. While in preschool Melissa felt cared for and loved by her teachers and decided she wanted to give back that care and love when she herself grew up. After graduating high school she jumped straight into getting her ECE units to work in Early Childhood Education. Melissa worked in a Montessori classroom while taking her ECE units and when she completed them she decided to then pursue her Montessori Preschool Teacher Certification. 

Upon completing her Montessori training Ms. Morales was a lead teacher at a Montessori preschool in Novato. Through hard work and dedication she then became the director of that school and helped lead them through the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Melissa loved the ability to work with the families as a director and also still be in the classroom working alongside the children. She was the director and lead toddler teacher there for four years.

Melissa is the mother of one daughter named Isabella. She also has a sweet gray cat named Bolt who loves to be cuddled. Melissa loves to spend her time with her partner, friends and family, as well as being out in nature going on hikes and doing other outdoor activities. Melissa believes God has created a world of wonder for us behold and plans to enjoy every bit of it!

Ms. Morales looks forward to working at Saint Raphael Preschool as she feels the educational philosophy of age appropriate education fits her background and personal philosophy for educating children. Melissa will be working with Mrs. Yates in the office to support her with office duties as well as working in both classrooms to help support the teachers and children. She is excited to be a part of such an amazing teaching staff and community!