Mel Paradis
For the past 25 years, I’ve called the Tetons home, raising two kids in Teton 401 schools, building connections in the community, and working alongside local families, teachers, and students. My career in education spans over three decades and includes time spent in camps, youth programs, and classrooms in both public and private schools on both sides of the pass. Throughout, I’ve focused on strengths-based, creative approaches for learners who think outside the box.
I’m a National Board Certified Teacher in Exceptional Needs-Gifted and hold a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University with certificates in Neurodiversity & Neuroeducation and Administration & Supervision. My experience includes partnering with IEP and 504 teams, supporting MTSS initiatives, and helping families navigate complex education systems, all with an emphasis on recognizing each child’s unique abilities. In 2023, I was awarded the Everyday Champion Award by the National Center for Learning Disabilities for my support and advocacy for twice exceptional learners.
My own experiences, as a student, a teacher, and a parent, have fueled my belief that every brain brings remarkable potential to the table. That’s why I approach each partnership with empathy, flexibility, and an open mind. I’ve built close relationships with local educators, mental health providers, and community organizations, and love connecting families to practical, research-based strategies and resources.
You’ll also find me performing with The Laff Staff, Jackson Hole’s improv troupe. My passion for creative teaching inspired my book, Teaching Improv: The Essential Handbook, published by Beat by Beat Press.
Currently, I’m pursuing a doctorate at Johns Hopkins, researching ways to expand advanced learning opportunities and close excellence gaps in rural schools. Through it all, I remain committed to helping students and families discover hopeful, practical ways forward, no matter how they learn best.