A credentialed teacher with the unique talent to run a soundboard at church and a love for all things Disney. That’s Melanie Falkenberg, Credential Admissions Coordinator. Though she is a native San Diegan, she did spend some time in the Central Coast having attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Curious as to how she earned the nickname “Money” in college? Find out in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff.
1. Disney Lover!
Her favorite characters are Goofy and Roger Rabbit. She loves taking her girls to Disneyland, going on the rides with them, and just being in the park.
2. She is a credentialed teacher
She has a Clear Multiple Subject credential that she earned back in 2003, when there were not very many jobs. She did substitute teach mostly and was able to teach for 3/4 of a year in 8th grade Science at Cajon Valley Middle—which was an adventure.
3. She mixes sound at her church
She attends church in Santee where she volunteers about once a month to run the soundboard for the weekend services. She enjoys music and loves being involved.
4. Her grandma taught her how to knit
When she was younger, she lived in the same house with her grandparents. Her grandmother was always making things with her hands (knitting, counted cross-stitch, etc…) She learned how to knit with her and has made slippers, scarves and an afghan.
5. She is a native San Diegan
She was born and raised mostly in San Diego. She attended Alice Birney Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High (by the zoo) and San Diego High.
6. She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo…some of her friends called her “Money”
She thought she wanted to be a veterinarian, but soon switched and earned her degree in Biological Sciences. She enjoyed playing basketball with some of the guys from her dorm. She was so good at making baskets that she earned the nickname, “Money.” She loves the California Central Coast so much that she often goes on vacation in Pismo Beach with her family.
7. She loves doing things with her family—camping, vacationing, movie night…
She loves hanging out and doing things with her husband, Greg, and two daughters, Samantha and Mikayla. Her husband loves the desert and off-roading, so they do a lot around that, but they were also fortunate enough to have Disneyland passes at one time.
How Melanie Falkenberg is making a difference in the College of Education:
“In everything I do, I try and put the needs of our students first. Whether that is designing an application that is concise and easy to use or creating web content that addresses questions that students regularly ask. I enjoy streamlining processes to make things work more smoothly for all involved (students, staff and faculty). I understand that the process to becoming a teacher is complicated in California and I see it as my job to be one of the ‘helpers’ along the way, which is why I respond to student questions in a timely manner. I enjoy being part of the College of Education and supporting our students in their endeavors.”