Anthropology. Education. Spirit.

"Melissa has this wonderful way of uniting her expertise with the ability to genuinely connect and inspire deep aspirations."

I am an anthropologist with over twenty years of experience as an educator. Whether I’m conducting ethnographic research, teaching a class, engaging in one-on-one coaching, or writing, my work is grounded in fields that are oriented toward positive transformation. They are fields imbued with a spirit of openness, mindfulness, and curiosity. They encourage vulnerability and dialogue in the service of responsibility to ourselves, to each other, and to the places we live. They seek justice and love.

My primary work is as Associate Professor and Faculty Chair of the Anthropology Department at San Bernardino Valley College. I also coach in the areas of personal development and diversity and inclusion within cultural and spiritual contexts.

I earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of California, Riverside (2013), and hold MA degrees in Anthropology (2006) and Theology (2002).