Melissa Small

Current Profession: After 20 years in education (as an administrator/teacher in K-8 education, a high school math teacher and running coach, and a community college instructor in the social sciences), I now serve as the Librarian for the Readfield Community Library in Readfield, ME, working to provide residents of all ages with quality materials and programming. My education includes a BA in Psychology (Colby College), and a MA in Education and a PhD in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Connecticut.

Relationship to Pineland Suzuki School: After attending a Gawler Family concert in 2001 with our oldest child (who was then 3) expressed interest in learning to play the violin. Lessons began for him in 2003, and 4 children and 18 years later, we are still involved with Pineland Suzuki School. Through the years I have volunteered in a variety of roles, including helping to coordinate the annual Benefit Concert and serving on the Board.

Path to help Pineland Suzuki School: PSS has provided our four children with a solid music foundation and an appreciation for achieving big goals by breaking things down into smaller tasks. I enjoy serving the organization by offering the board my experience in pedagogy and in educational administration, as well as the perspective of a 4-time PSS parent.

Some fun things: I enjoy organizing events, bringing the community together, and the challenge of assisting someone who asks “Can you help me…?” When not at the library, I like to run, snowshoe, Nordic ski, watch my kids’ alpine ski races and soccer games, and read picture books to my young nieces and nephews on FaceTime or in person!