Current Courses: Recreation Leisure

Mrs. Melissa Saunders started working at Hope School in 1997 as an Instructional Assistant. She feel in love with the students and the school and decided to go back to school to get her degree and teaching credential. She obtained a BA in Child and Adolescent Development from University of California, Fullerton and an MS in Special Education (Moderate/Severe) from California State University, Dominguez Hills Moderate/Severe Special Education Clear Credential. She then began teaching at Hope in 2001 and has no plans to leave.

"No one rises to low expectations."
- Carl Boyd

Before she began her first year of teaching, she attended the "Week of Wow" sponsored by AUHSD. One of the motivational speakers during that week was a man named Carl R. Boyd. His message throughout his speech was "no one rises to low expectations". This quote has guided her throughout her career, not only in regards to herself but also in regards to her students.

Teacher Message: I am married with two amazing little girls, Kiyoko is nine and Emiko is seven. Most of my hobbies right now revolve around my family. I love watching my girls play softball, perform in plays and create art. As a family we love to travel in our motorhome. We go off-roading in the desert during the winter and fishing in the Sierra's during the summer.