Melissa is a science teacher who works in animal welfare education at the Alberta SPCA. She started her teaching career in a high school science classroom, then moved to the Alberta SPCA’s Education Department in 2007. She holds a BSc, and a BEd from the University of Lethbridge and an MSc in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law from the University of Edinburgh. Engaging with teachers and other organizations, she has developed and collaborated on curriculum-relevant education programs and resources for Alberta teachers to inspire empathy and compassion for animals, people and the environment.