Area 9: Melanie Wallace

I was born and raised in the Seattle area. I received my associate in nursing degree from Highline Community College and my RN in 1995. I went on to the University of Washington, Bothell campus to receive a BSN in 1997. While studying for my BSN, I had the privilege of spending time with a school nurse during a public health rotation. I was inspired by her passion and commitment.

For most of my nursing career, I worked in clinics as an endocrine nurse clinician. I was always interested in school nursing, however, and planned on pursuing that after getting about 10 years of nursing experience. In 2005, I saw a job opening in the nearby Quincy School District and decided to “jump at it.” That was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My husband and I also became foster parents that year. We adopted three children in October 2008: a 3 year old girl and boy and a 7 year old boy. I have always loved children and it is such a pleasure to surround myself with them at home and at work. We adults have so much to learn from these young minds.

I have been a SNOW member since I became a school nurse in 2005. I found this link to other school nurses to be very invaluable; especially one year when I was the only nurse for our district. I am honored to serve as area 9 rep.