Melinda was born in Plympton, MA, the second oldest of four girls. She received her Bachelors from Spelman College and Masters from Lesley University. She worked in the education and art therapy fields since acquiring her Bachelor’s Degree. She worked as a volunteer at the Kilombo School and fell in love with the entire experience. She loved the unique atmosphere which felt less like a school and more like a family. She loves the Umojas’ style of bringing cultural awareness and appreciation into the classroom to bolster the learning environment. She loved how all the students excelled in mastering a vigorous classroom curriculum, mixed with equally stimulating specials programs that bring out the students artistic, musical and physical expressions of their genius.