Melissa Perez

Melissa Perez is a first generation college graduate. Melissa attended Chaffey Community College and transferred to California State University San Bernardino, where she received her BA degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics in June 2012. Along with her BA, Melissa also completed the English Teacher Preparation Track, which is one of the few State approved English subject matter programs in California that replaces the CSET exam.

Melissa has a passion for teaching and began substitute teaching fresh out of college, where she has worked at many Title one schools throughout the Los Angeles area. Melissa also worked for the city of Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks, through a program called Summer Night Lights, which is a key component of the GYRD Comprehensive Strategy (the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development). Melissa worked as an art instructor for this program where she would host free art workshops for community members of all ages. She then was recruited by another Recreation and Parks program called LA Kids, as an art instructor, where she would teach classes on drawing, painting, crochet, sewing, and cooking to the youth. In December of 2023, Melissa joined Study Smart Tutors as a tutor, and is now an Academic Services Manager.

When Melissa is not working, she enjoys spending her time with family, reading, drawing, painting, crocheting and being in nature. Melissa also likes to spend her free time going to the thrift stores and collecting vintage designer items and antiques.