Melissa Clark

As the Director of Foundation and Grants for The Startup Studio, Melissa leverages her knowledge of the education and community services sectors to streamline the startup experience for our partners. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Radford University, Melissa began her education career teaching at colleges and universities. She recognized that many of her students were entering higher education unprepared for self-directed learning and missing the language skills needed to be successful in education and the workplace. This experience galvanized Melissa to pursue alternative educational models that focus on cognitive development and individualized instruction. After 15 years in education, Melissa moved into the nonprofit sector to continue her mission to create better opportunities in education and mental wellness for her community. Melissa is married to Don, a 21-year Navy veteran, and lives in St. Augustine, FL with Don and her three fur babies where she volunteers at K9s For Warriors and St. Johns County Master Gardeners.