Melissa Ledbetter is a Mentor/Evaluator for the Early Educator Support Office at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Previously, Melissa served as an Education Supervisor for Yadkin Valley Economic Development District Incorporated (YVEDDI)-Head Start for eight years. In her role as Supervisor, she collaborated with other Early Childhood professionals, giving her an opportunity to become a Mentor/Evaluator partner with the Early Educator Support Office where she was able to explore her passion for supporting teachers’ professional growth. While at Head Start, she served on the School Readiness and Family Engagement committees and helped develop policies and procedures. Prior to becoming an Education Supervisor, Melissa taught in a North Carolina Pre-K classroom for YVEDDI Head Start. Melissa began her career working in childcare starting at the young age of 17. She held many roles in childcare centers, including, floater, assistant teacher, and Lead teacher while she earned her teaching license in Birth-Kindergarten Education from Winston-Salem State University. Once a licensed teacher, she became the Exceptional Children’s Pre-K teacher at Yadkinville Elementary until she took the position with YVEDDI-Head Start. Melissa resides in Yadkin County with her husband, two children and two dogs.