Melinda has been in the special education system for over 30 years as a parent, teacher, professional liaison, and consultant, with a singular ability to facilitate positive relationships between families and school districts to keep the focus on the unique needs of each child. Melinda is the mother of three, with three grandchildren. When Melinda’s daughter was born, she was not tested under the Newborn Hearing Screening. She had to convince family, friends, and doctors that her daughter could not hear. Because there was no path to follow at that time, she forged her own and has made it her mission to guide and support others through the special education journey."