Hello! My name is Melissa Villareal, and I am beyond excited to be back at KUCI this school year.  I was born and raised in Albuquerque; my husband, Ken, is from Espanola.  I have three successful, adult children, one granddaughter (3) and a grandson (1).  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education both from UNM-Go LOBOS! I taught special education for 11 years with Bernalillo Public schools, ran my own home daycare for 6 years and once my own children were all in school full-time, I taught a developmental preschool classroom for 20 years with APS at Dennis Chavez Elementary.  I retired in July 2021.  This will be my third year at Kids Under Construction and I am thrilled to be back this year.  I look forward to a year full of fun and lots of learning!