Melanie’s childhood was spent in this home, pictured on the cover, in Olathe, Kansas. She received her B.S. degree from The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS., and M.Ed. degree from East Texas State University, Commerce, TX. She taught Fourth and Sixth Grades in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in the Richardson Texas Independent School District. Melanie has been honored for Excellence in Teaching by the RISE Foundation in Richardson, TX and nominated three times to Who’s Who of American Teachers. Melanie is married, has three grown daughters, and seven grandchildren. She has traveled extensively. She continues to be actively involved in giving programs in the community and teaching small groups. She is also a quilter, knitter, and amateur photographer.