Melissa Arnesen-Trunzo

Hello! My name is Melissa Arnesen-Trunzo, (Ms. Mel), and I am very excited to be part of the TES third and fourth grade team! Growing up just across the river in Orford, NH, gave me both the confidence and curiosity to explore the wider world. I began working in education in 2005 as a paraeducator in Jericho, NY, and over the years, I’ve woven in and out of education while gaining experiences abroad as an au pair in Norway, Sweden, and South Africa.

I hold a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa, which led me to work on Broadway and live in both New York City and Los Angeles before moving to Japan, where I decided to fully focus on education. I later earned an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, VT, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Sunderland in the UK (equivalent to an M.A. in Education). I also spent ten years in China working in education both in Shanghai and on the Tibetan plateau. 

I have lived and worked in nine countries around the world, and bring my love of culture, language, and people into the classroom. When I’m not teaching, you can find me hiking with my two rescue dogs from China, exploring the Upper Valley with my daughter, or relaxing at home with our bunny 兔子胡萝卜 (“Rabbit Carrot”), and cats Lucky and 肉肉 (meat meat). I am also trained in the gong (sound healing) and facilitate women’s circles using Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ Women Who Run With the Wolves as a guide.

I am thrilled to bring my passion for learning, community, and creativity into TES, and look forward to connecting with our students and families.