Name: Melissa Villarreal
Job Title: Training Associate - Nebraska Resource Project for Vulnerable Young Children
Where do you hail from: I grew up near Dallas, Texas, although we were in central Texas before moving to Nebraska this October.
Who are your early influences/who inspired you most: My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ray. She was so loving and gracious with all of her students. I think of her often.
What has been your greatest source of career satisfaction/proudest achievement: I am the first and only female to have graduated with a bachelor's degree (Texas Tech University) on both sides of my family.
What has been an unexpected detour: I was teaching high school in Texas for several years before my husband accepted a position in Lincoln. It was a challenge for me to decide if I wanted to continue being an educator or to pursue other options after we moved. I chose CCFL and I am thankful that my position with NRPVYC helps children and their families while providing a wonderful work/life balance for me and my family.
Family life/hobbies: I love reading (mostly non-fiction and mystery books) and listening to true crime podcasts. My family consists of my husband Carlos, my daughter Iris (7), my son Rowan (3), and our dog Jojo (Cocker Spaniel). We love cooking, discovering new walking/hiking trails, and having family movie nights.