Melissa Nikolai is an English teacher at the High School and has been teaching here for seven years. "I wanted to go into education, because literature really impacted me. I learned a lot about myself through the protagonists in books. I felt if I could help kids find out who they are through literature, I would be serving my purpose."

 

Originally from Wisconsin, she earned her degree at the University of Montana, and got her first teaching job in Gardnerville, Nevada. "I started as a reading specialist, then taught language arts in 7th through 12th grade. It's what gave me the courage to apply here. I wanted to move to a place that was more like Missoula. When I visited Park City, I realized it wasn't just a ski town. There was a real community that cared about the outdoors and had this healthy, vital culture."

 

"Park City teachers are the best teachers in the country, and to be a member of that community is such an honor. Their level of integrity, commitment, and passion, I never saw before. My colleagues totally inspire me to be the absolute best!"

 

When asked about the best part of teaching, Melissa says, "At the end of the year, you get these letters from kids, and you had no idea you made them feel valuable, and worthy, and helped them see their own magnificence. And the kids teach me so much - they have no idea how much they teach me. Lessons in unconditional love and forgiveness, patience, acceptance. Working with teenagers every single day, I get these lessons."

 

And what does PCEF mean to her? "PCEF gives teachers so many opportunities to do things in different ways, and allows us to give different opportunities to kids. For instance, to be able to bring a major published author here and give the kids that experience is really amazing."

 

In her free time, Melissa loves to mountain bike, hike, read and cook. She is a Reiki Master and makes gourmet vegan desserts!