Melissa Beressi, M.Ed….

has been working as an educator for over 30 years beginning as an undergraduate at UCLA in the Young Autism Project through 10 years as an elementary school classroom teacher and 6 years as a reading and math specialist. She spent 18 years as a teacher instructor and professional development provider for school districts in the San Francisco Bay Area. She currently works at the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB in the Teacher Education Program.

Melissa is passionate about education in general and social and emotional learning in particular. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education, both from UCLA. She is a parent to two young adults, and has found that to be the most challenging and rewarding job yet. She is thrilled to be working with happiness and mindfulness curricula.