In May 2012, Dr. Melody Smith completes 25 years as a public educator. Her classroom teaching experience includes high school English Language Arts, entry level science, and study skills/communications for at-risk students. In addition to 15 years of teaching, Dr. Smith served as coordinator of communication arts, assistant principal, and central office administrator. Her professional mission is to be a servant leader—one who is proficient in the craft of educational leadership, one who continues to pursue knowledge, one who leads by example, and one who serves those with whom she works. In addition, Dr. Smith's personal mission is to build leadership capacity among adults and to dedicate herself to doing what is good for others, especially the children and youth of our community. Dr. Smith attended Humboldt Elementary and Lafayette High School in the St. Joseph School District.