Educator Spotlight: Melissa Zendejas, Lead Teacher, Illahee

With summer fast approaching I am still amazed at how quickly this year has flown by. Not only has the weather changed but so have the students. Some have had birthdays, some have grown taller, and others have come out of their shell and found a place among their peers. There have been strong friendships formed where the kids have begun to ask for play dates outside of school or can't wait to get down the stairs in the morning to start playing with their classmates. I've seen students work through conflict together, advocate for themselves, laugh with each other, and come to their adults if they need an extra helping hand. I can’t wait to see what skills continue to grow as the year comes to an end. 

It has truly been a blessing watching these dynamics shift and change much like the life cycles we learned about during the month of May. Due to some big life changes of my own, this year will sadly be my last at Barnacles and Bees. After I started working for the program back in 2020, first as a teachers assistant then as a lead teacher, I can truly say this job has been such an amazing chapter in my life. It has really opened my eyes to the wonders and joys nature and children can bring. I have enjoyed the small moments during class like listening to conversations at snack time or hearing laughter as a swarm of children try to catch me during a game of Run Rabbit Run. I am always excited to share my job with anyone who asks because there is something so rewarding about working with wonderful children and amazing staff under the large trees, by the ocean, and in all kinds of weather. 

I have loved being called Barn Swallow and I think that name as well as the names of each of my students will have a special place in my heart for years to come.​