Educator of the Month

Melissa Pullen

Melissa has been with Drexel University as a Nutrition Educator for almost two years. Melissa is from Kentucky and graduated from University of Louisville with a B.S. in Exercise Science. She is working on her Master’s in Education at Drexel University.

She partners with seven schools within the SDP. They are Carroll High School, Edison High School, Vaux High School, Jones Middle School, Jones Alternative Middle School, Heston Elementary School and Wagner Middle School. She enjoys teaching the “Rethink your Drink” lesson because many of her students are surprised at the amount of sugar in their favorite drinks. Recently, she has conducted food tastings at Vaux and has started Cooking Clubs at Jones Alternative and Carroll. At Wagner Middle School, Melissa just started an after-school Girls’ Club. Joann Packer, the school nurse, has worked with Drexel University’s Nutrition Educators for the past four years on this endeavor.

The Girls’ Club is a 6 or 12-week series which promotes healthy living by incorporating healthy eating, a positive self-image and physical activity. Drexel University dancers and athletes visit with the girls during two of the sessions and share their tips for living healthy while dancing and exercising in the school library. The final week consists of graduation, which involves the families. They are treated to a slide show presentation of the girls’ experiences and end their journey with a healthy snack.