
A little about me
MEET MELISSA SMITH
EDUCATOR, COACH, ACTIVIST (she/her)
Melissa Smith (she/her) is a passionate leader that leverages her background in education, coaching, organizational psychology, facilitation, and emotional intelligence to continuously push individuals to challenge assumptions and shift paradigms.
She empowers individuals and communities to dismantle systemic oppression and develop a shared humanity for everyone. This is done by challenging dominant cultural and societal norms and by centering the mental health and well-being of those who have been historically marginalized and silenced.
A FEW OF OUR CLIENTS & FEATURES
Our Core Values
Radical Self Love
Prioritizing radical self-care as a powerful act of resistance against marginalization and exhaustion enables sustained energy and creativity to create a flourishing world for all.
Power statement: "Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for personal growth and social change."
Decolonization
We believe in dismantling oppressive systems and restoring power to marginalized communities, which requires active resistance to the ongoing legacy of colonization.
Power statement: "Decolonization is not a one-time event, it is an ongoing process of liberation and healing."
Liberation
We advocate for dismantling oppressive systems to enable a world where individuals live without fear of discrimination or violence and can realize their inherent value and dignity.
Power statement: "Liberation is not just about challenging and dismantling what oppresses us, it is also about envisioning and creating a better world."
Awareness
Building a more just and equitable society requires acknowledging systemic injustices, examining personal biases & privileges, and dismantling oppressive structures.
Power statement: "Through ongoing education, reflection, and action, we can continue to deepen our awareness."
I AM AUTHENTICALLY GROUNDED IN MY BELIEFS.
I COACH
I ADVISE
I TEACH
I LIFT
I PUSH
I SPEAK
I WRITE
I LOVE
I HOLD SPACE
My Background
EDUCATOR.
ACTIVIST.
COACH.
Professional Teaching License
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
With my theoretical and practical knowledge for teaching, curriculum design, and classroom management, I am able to deploy various teaching methods and techniques to personalize learning for each individual.
ADW Certified Faciliator
A DEEPER WAY
As an ADW Certified Facilitator, I leverage the ADW framework to help people cultivate deeper insight into their own personalities and identities. I provide the tools necessary to develop psychological safety and a sense of belonging throughout homes, schools, and workplaces nationwide.
Coaching for Equity Certification
NATIONAL EQUITY PROJECT
Through this 6-week long training, I have learned and experienced approaches for understanding, raising, and addressing equity issues through the practice of coaching.
Post-Graduate Professional Certification
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
As a Literacy Coach and Instructional Facilitator, I am certified to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective literacy instruction. I am equipped to collaborate across classrooms, with school administrators, families, and community representatives to improve student achievement.
Becoming An Antiracist Educator
VCU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Through this dynamic professional learning opportunity, I intentionally developed skills to engage in practices to dismantle systems that perpetuate racial inequities.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Practitioners© Certification
SARAH JANE ACADEMY
Sarah Jane Academy™ was designed to fill two voids that many Diversity Equity & Inclusion advocates and professionals know well: (1) the need for tactics - not theory and (2) a highly-regarded DEI certificate without cost barriers.
Virtual Facilitation Training
JAN KECK
Virtual Facilitator training to turn boring PowerPoints into epic virtual learning experiences without getting overwhelmed by the tech.
What people are saying
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Events
Stay tuned for engaging learning opportunities!
- October 17, 2023Virtual SummitOctober 17, 2023Virtual Summit
- Wed, May 17On SpotifyMay 17, 2023, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMOn Spotify
- Wed, Apr 26On YouTubeApr 26, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PMOn YouTube