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.

Driven by a passion for education, Melissa has dedicated her career to serving students in need. She began her journey as a substitute teacher at various Title I schools in 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 GRYD 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. Recognizing her artistic talents, LA Kids, a Recreation and Parks program, recruited her to inspire young minds through art. She taught a variety of classes, including drawing, painting, crochet, sewing, and cooking. Melissa joined Study Smart Tutors in December 2023 as a tutor and has served as Academic Services Manager since August 2024.