Melissa Smith

Dedicated bilingual educator and mental health professional with over 20 years of experience teaching and supporting children and families in preschool, elementary, and community settings. Fluent in English and Spanish with extensive experience teaching multilingual learners and implementing engaging, play-based instruction. Skilled in Creative Curriculum implementation, classroom management, social-emotional learning, and family communication.

Passionate about creating nurturing, structured, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where young children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mental Health Counselor / Clinical Educator at Terry Reilly Health Services (2017-01 – 2026-12)

• Provided individual and group counseling services for children, families, refugees, and migrant populations
• Supported children's social-emotional development using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices
• Collaborated with families and multidisciplinary teams to support child well-being and developmental success
• Developed and facilitated educational training programs for staff, interns, and parents
• Built strong communication and relationship skills working with diverse communities

Mental Health Counselor / CBRS Worker at Ambitions of Idaho (2012-01 – 2017-12)

• Worked directly with children and families to support emotional regulation, behavior management, and developmental growth
• Assisted children with diverse needs using individualized support strategies
• Collaborated with educators, therapists, and families to improve educational and behavioral outcomes
• Provided structured support in home, school, and community settings

Elementary School Teacher (Dual Language / ELL) at Boise School District (2003-01 – 2012-12)

• Taught first grade, Spanish language learners, and K–6 English language learners in bilingual classroom settings
• Planned and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards in literacy, math, language development, science, and social skills
• Utilized hands-on and play-based learning activities to encourage active participation and creativity
• Fostered positive classroom environments focused on respect, cooperation, and student responsibility
• Differentiated instruction to support varied learning styles and developmental needs
• Collaborated with colleagues to help develop the district's Dual Language Program
• Communicated regularly with families regarding student growth and classroom success

Early Childhood Educator at BSU Children's Center — Boise State University (2000-01 – 2003-12)

• Taught in infant/toddler and preschool classrooms serving children ages birth through five
• Planned and facilitated developmentally appropriate learning activities focused on early literacy, social skills, creativity, and physical development
• Maintained safe, nurturing, and organized classroom environments
• Supported children's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral growth through positive guidance techniques
• Communicated regularly with parents regarding developmental milestones and classroom progress
• Assisted with classroom routines, curriculum activities, and child assessments

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Walden University (2016-12)

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction – Boise State University (2003-12)

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education – Boise State University (2000-12)