Melissa joined Schroeder Law Offices in November 2023. Melissa grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, which is where her love for the natural environment began. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Master’s in Education, both from the University of Oregon. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Melissa focused on forest ecology and outdoor education, and it was through those experiences that she became interested in secondary education. However, it was her experience working on a farm in Taos, NM, that she was first introduced to water rights. That experience is what eventually drew her to pursue a job in water law.
Melissa has a teaching license with endorsements in Biology, Math, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and taught middle school Math and Science for two years. While teaching, Melissa made it a goal of hers to involve students in real-life science opportunities, especially if they helped tie her students to their local environment. Because of this, Melissa participated in ODFW Salmon and Trout Enhancement (state.or.us) (STEP), which allowed students to raise salmon from eggs to fry.
Melissa is eager to apply the skills she gained from teaching and her prior knowledge of natural resource management to her duties at Schroeder Law, while also learning more about water law and its importance within agriculture.
When not in the office, Melissa enjoys biking and reading, and when the growing season begins, volunteering at the Growers Grange Farm in Corbett, OR.
Experience
- Middle School Math/Science Teacher, Walt Morey Middle School, Troutdale, OR
- Instructor, Environmental Leadership Program Canopy Connections, Eugene, OR
- SUSI Student Ambassador, American English Institute, Eugene, OR
- Farm Hand, Taos Goji Berry Farm and Eco-Lodge, San Cristobal, NM
- Intern, Los Alamos National Laboratory Student Co-Op, Los Alamos, NM
Education
M.Ed., University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 2021
- Teaching License with Endorsements in Biology, Math, and ESOL
- Dean’s Student Advisory Board Member
B.S., University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 2019
- Major in Environmental Science
- Minor in Food Studies
- Student Research Symposium Presenter 2019
Awards
National Science Foundation ESPRIT Noyce Scholarship
