Melissa Benson joined the Ross School administrative team in 2011 as the Director of Special Education/ School Psychologist.  She graciously stepped into the K-4 principal position and continues to oversee Student Support Services, which includes Learning Center, Special Education, and the counseling department. Melissa is a firm believer in collective responsibility and has tirelessly worked to create solid teams both within the smaller departments and across the K-8 setting.

She is an expert in multi-tiered support systems for students- focusing on academics and behavior.  Melissa is committed to providing guidance to home/ school teams about using data to support student outcomes.  She previously worked in the San Francisco Unified School district overseeing approximately 50 school psychologists as well as a practicing psychologist for elementary, secondary and alternative schools.  She has also worked as a school psychologist in Santa Cruz City School District and as a teacher in the California School for the Deaf.  She is fluent in American Sign Language.  Melissa holds a B.S. from Boston University in Deaf Education; a M.S. in Counseling from California State University, East Bay; a Pupil Personal Services credential; and an Administrative Services credential.  When Melissa is not at work she is exercising by running after her young and active daughter, Piper, and son, Emmett.