Welcome! I am Melissa and I am excited to learn the stories your museum shares.
Your plan is designing a children's play area or amending a school tour and then...
-the phone rings from a board member
-displays need to be maintained
-financial reports have to go to the tax professional
You know the deal. There is passion for your subject matter and the people care. If you are volunteer-run or a smaller staff, you just do not have enough time in your day.
I can help take projects off of your plate, so you are not consumed with paperwork at the front desk. You are connecting with visitors.
You may also be an individual volunteer reflecting how you can amplify your impact in the organization you help with. You are kind and helpful and we can find a way together to utilize your strengths to help connect and engage the visitors at your museum.
Background picture: Large art gallery with glass tray ceiling. Long black benches in the middle with several visitors looking at the art pieces.
You are community builders and I cannot wait to assist you as you amplify your connections.
Terms you will see me use:
I will use guests and visitors interchangeably.
I will use museum and organization interchangeably.
Are you an aquarium, nature center, or zoo? I can help your organization if you are station based or you would like resources to amplify family, school, and volunteer connections.
When discussing difficult topics, I will put people first when describing to show the resilience of a community.
Who is at this "virtual front desk"?
I taught middle school social studies before staying home with my kids. During my time in education, I ensured my students were understanding all perspectives of history. I enhanced my class with maps constantly to show how globally connected we are. I promoted choice of assignment in class so students could show me the material they learned in the mode that worked best for them.
With my own children I want to spark their mind and figure out as they get older how to navigate this complex world. They have also been the test kids in some museum programs for the littlest visitors. My youngest is going to school so decided to combine my knowledge of K-12 and another skill I began when I was 14: volunteering at historic museums.
While at museums I have learned about the perspectives of visitors from around the globe. It is wonderful to learn how people's perspectives when I am at a hands-on station with a family or a guided school tour. This backbone made me a stronger teacher since I knew questions that will come up and also how different people and places interwined with each other.
What Museum Extraordinary Values
Constant Learning
Learning about different people and places is what I enjoy. I loved challenging my students with different ideas and I take that mindset to my work as well. I am excited to learn the perspectives you bring to your museum.
No-rush decisions
I will not place a bold countdown timer at a top of a page for you to make a decision. Sometimes you will have to check with the board and cannot rush a decision. If prices will change I will give notice. You will have five days to sign a contract. Our work together is solution-driven not rushed actions.
Human-First
You can put information into LLMs on your own. You are selecting a business for a human touch. AI coding is in everywhere from banking to hospitals so there may be AI code in softwares. I do use spell-checking software, but I will not be creating products using generative AI or replacing critical thinking during our time collaborating.
Responsive
I will get back to you within 3-5 business days with a thoughtful response. I am here to support museum professionals and volunteers, so I want to honor your time and efforts to the community you serve.
A bit more about me
Quick facts about me related to museums and education.
Degrees:
Bachelors in History- George Mason University
Masters of Education- Curriculum and Instruction- George Mason University
VA Teaching License
Collegiate Professional
2006
When I began volunteering at history museums.
6
The number of years I taught middle school social studies.
1
Petticoat I accidentally set on fire while cooking in a colonial kitchen.
Share your unique museum story!
Please fill out the contact form here and I will get back to you in 2-5 business days responding to your awesome story. This will not subscribe you to the mailing list.
What questions have I created?
What kind of museums do you serve?
The programs and products are best for organizations that want to increase student and family connections. Aquariums, nature centers and zoos are welcome if your organization are station or tour based, I am happy to help!
Do you accept individual volunteers?
Yes, for the Reference Desk 1:1 Services. If you would like to improve your tour or station you volunteer for I would be happy to help!
What if we don't have a large staff?
No worries! Let Me Borrow Your Cubicle Services can be a great way for you to hand me a hat or two. If you are a large museum staff you may find the Collections helpful and the Reference Desk a great resource!
Do you limit the types of museums or volunteers you work with?
If your organization has any live animals in your care, there must not be any incidences of harm or neglect to the animals.
For organizations and people working with history and science I develop and discuss topics that are historically and scientifically factual.
Do you work with youth volunteers or court ordered volunteers?
Unfortunately, since labor laws for children vary amongst states I would defer to the volunteer policies of your local museums. For court orders you would need to work with your legal team to determine what is best for your volunteering.
I do have an overview and safety checklist for you to view. Hope that helps!
What is this coffee (Ko-fi) icon?
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