Leadership Coach
Dr. Melissa D. Patschke (Missie) has served public education for 36 years. She believes in the power of positive relationships, the need for whole child education, and in the lasting impact of using social/emotional priorities in schools. Missie retired in the fall of 2023 as the founding principal of Upper Providence Elementary located in the Spring-Ford Area School District, Montgomery County, PA. She served as a school administrator in Pennsylvania for over 25 years. Missie has focused her career on multiple initiatives including but not limited to effective leadership practices, special education programming, educator resiliency and supportive networks, effective communications, and positive school cultures. Missie has taken her messages to adult learning forums, conference presentations, podcasts, blog posts, and publications.
Missie attended Kutztown University for her undergraduate work in special education. She transitioned to Millersville University and Temple University for her M.Ed. and Principal Certification. Finally, she completed a Doctoral degree at Immaculata University specializing in Educational Leadership. Early in her leadership career, Missie was recognized as one of the top 25 young community leaders “making a difference” in Southeastern, PA. She was also given the Golden Ram Award in 2019 by the Spring Ford Area School District. Missie also teaches M.Ed. and Ed.D. level classes for two Pennsylvania Universities. She also conducts a variety of professional development sessions through her work with a variety of educational associations and leadership networks
Missie has hosted national webinars as well as published articles at the state and national level featuring best practices for school principals. In February of 2020, her publication, Visioning Onward, was released through Corwin Press. Visioning Onward was written and published in collaboration with two other esteemed educational authors. This text has served as an impactful tool for school leaders at all levels. In the Winter of 2022, Missie’s second book was released. This book is titled, Leading with Vitality and Hope: Embracing equity, alleviating trauma, and healing school communities. This text is a collection of exemplars sharing their stories to inspire and bring hope to the future of education.