Staff Profile: Melissa Faeh

Ms. Melissa Faeh is the new Assistant Principal at Hopi Elementary this 2017-18 school year, but she has been in SUSD since 2011. She comes to us from Kiva Elementary where she was Assistant Principal for 3 years. Before that she taught at Pueblo Elementary school.

She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a huge Packers fan. "I only have one weekend day to accomplish anything during football season, because Sunday I'm in football mode!". She spends her weekends hanging with her sister, niece, nephew, and her parents. She loves being an aunt and dotes on her young niece & nephew.

She likes to pretend she is crafty. She sews a bit and made a quilt. She loves to cook. While she doesn't claim to be Martha Stewart, she dabbles and if she ever has the chance, a craft room is in her dream house. She credits some of the "craft bug" to the fact that when she was young she had a bad stutter. She processed thoughts faster than her mouth could say them. Part of her treatment was to have "quiet time" doing things like painting, puzzles and crafts. To this day, she loves her quiet time.

Educational Experience
- Bachelor's in Early Education from University of Central Florida in Orlando
- Masters in Administration & Supervision with Educational Focus at University of Houston
- 14 years as Teacher (2 Florida, 9 Houston, 3 Pueblo SUSD)
- 3 years as Assistant Principal (Sequoia & Kiva)
* 2013 Charros Outstanding Educator Award
Taught 2nd, 4th, 5th grade (mostly 5th grade)

"I always knew as a kid that I was going to be a teacher. There was never a question about it." She played school with her friends, and even on her own (playing the different roles and voices of the classroom herself sometimes). She loves that her job gives back to the community and molds the minds of tomorrow. Growing up, she was a good (not PERFECT!) student. "I was super, super chatty. I got in trouble for talking all the time." When it came to homework however, the perfectionist in her took over. She loved projects and getting them just right. Schoolwork came naturally for her, That perfectionist is still in her today. "I like to have processes in place. I like to have procedures. I think that can sometimes be perceived as bossy, but I think the more organized you are, the more prepared you are." When she was a teacher, she had very high expectations for herself and her students in the classroom. "I don't expect anything that anyone isn't capable of." She has those same expectations at Hopi today.

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But with all that organization, it's clear that she loves to laugh and have fun. During her time in Houston, she volunteered and ran an NFL fundraising foundation that hosted events and a golf tournament every year. She loved meeting new people and event planning. Volunteering for the foundation helped her to develop skills that were valuable in the classroom, and as Assistant Principal.

When asked about her vision for Hopi, "My number one priority is kids are safe. The very close second is that kids are learning. After that, I want them to be happy and know that kindness is important." So far, our Hopi community and staff have been so welcoming and warm to her, it has made the transition from Kiva much easier for her. She is looking forward to forming connections with the students, staff & parents to be part of Hopi's strong community. She hopes that parents and students know that she wants to see their children as whole people. "There is a lot to growing up. I want them to have that time to be happy and silly and enjoy one another. That sense of community is important, and I feel it's very strong here." 

FAVE VACATION SPOT
"SO FAR it's Maui. It's my happy place. How can you not be happy there?"

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SUPERHERO?
Wonder Woman, of course!

WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO POWER BE?
Teleportation ... I would love to be like Jeanie and just bob my head and be somewhere.

FUN FACT - Her family heritage is Swiss. One of her favorite toys from her childhood was a dollhouse someone made for her & her sister that looked like a Swiss Chalet. It's still in their family and a favorite toy.