Hello! My name is Melissa Orrell and my family has lived in or around the Cielito Lindo neighborhood since 1974. We have great pride in being New Mexicans. I am a mother of three beautifully amazing little people ages 13, 10, and 7. Professionally, I am a financial services professional turned community educator now teaching at Matheson Park Elementary School in NE Albuquerque. I hold an MSBA in Finance and a Master’s in Teaching with a specialization in teaching English Language Learners. I have a passion for equity in education and believe all children are capable and it is my job to help them discover their unique light to share with the world. Four generations of my family have graduated from APS schools, and I believe that with the right heart and dedication to our children’s future we can achieve great things within our lives and community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a single mother of 3 beautiful little people Mikaela 13, Joshua 10, and Jeremiah 7.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been and will always be an educator. I believe learning is a lifelong journey and the best gift I can give to my students is to yearn to learn and always stay curious. I love the smiles, hugs, and breakthrough moments when students make a new connection. Nothing beats the enthusiasm of a student on fire for learning.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children and students.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My first job was at the age of 14, at the local Dion’s on Montgomery & Morris prepping salads. Other than receiving college and graduate degrees in other states I have lived and worked in Albuquerque nearly all my life. My blood runs red & green!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One? I have about 175 – each student on our campus has an interesting story to tell. I love getting to know them all.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Smile more – you’ll be surprised how many people smile back. A little kindness goes a long, long way to brightening your day. All you have to do is smile.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Spend a summer in Santorini, Greece and travel the Greek islands to discover more about my paternal ancestry.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have an annual goal to read 100 books per year. So far, I’ve read 74!
