Hello Capitol Hill students, families, & community! My name is Melissa Derby-Sessions and I am your counselor for grades 5 & 6. I am thrilled to be a part of this school and honored to be a part of your children’s education and life journeys! This is my 6th year as a school counselor, and my second year in Saint Paul. Prior to this, I served as the K-8 counselor and later 5-8 counselor at DaVinci Academy, a charter school in Ham Lake. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with my Master’s in Education Psychology, and have my undergraduate degree in Psychology & Education from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. I serve on the Minnesota School Counselor Association Board and now the Saint Paul School Counselor Association, and am passionate about the work that I do in and out of school, serving and advocating for our students, school and community. Outside of my work, you may find me camping and hiking, playing volleyball, and spending time with my pets and family. Thank you for welcoming me into your community during a very unique and challenging time for all of us. I will be spending lots of time this year getting to know your children, and learning how to best support them, so don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with me as well! Come find me in room 2501.