Meet Mrs. Cleland

Greetings! I’m Melissa Cleland. This is my 33rd year teaching middle school mathematics, and my third year at ABS. I’m excited to be a part of this wonderful learning community.

I am a native Floridian, but left the state when I fell in love with Wake Forest University (and my future husband). I graduated in 1986 with a Bachelors of Science in mathematics and a Spanish minor, as well as my teaching certificate. I did a variety of jobs while my husband George attended law school at UNC-Chapel Hill before I found my passion teaching middle school. I earned my Master’s degree in Middle School Education with a concentration in mathematics from Appalachian State University in 2000. And all the while, I was working and raising our three children: George V, Christopher, and Jane. 

What do I do for fun? I love spending time with my family (which is ever growing) and friends. My 4 granddogs keep me busy. I adore being outdoors, especially in the mountains or at the beach. Who doesn’t?!

I make a concerted effort to start my day with sun salutations and get at least eight thousand steps daily. I enjoy reading, usually fiction, and keep an audio book going as well. I have always liked games and puzzles. During COVID we put up our card table and have kept a jigsaw puzzle going there ever since. We are currently solving #23.

We have had a lot to celebrate. Our family grew: George V married Alex on September 4, 2020, in Boston on the Seaport; Jane married Ross on February 26, 2021, in Winston-Salem at SECCA (Grandpa George III officiated);

and, Christopher married Elizabeth on July 16, 2023 (again Grandpa George III officiated). Our cup runneth over in joy!