Melissa Parker is so excited to be a candidate for Carnegie Carnival Queen! The Carnegie Visual Arts Center is such a worthy cause, it provides so many opportunities for our community and for all ages. Between the hosting of educational and cultural events to sharing the proceeds from the Carnegie Carnival with other community partners, it is truly the heart of Decatur.
Melissa has been a lifelong resident of North Alabama. She graduated from UNA with a BA in commercial photography and a minor in art history. Later she changed her career path and received an undergraduate degree in elementary education and went on to complete her master’s in gifted education from the University of South Alabama in 2006. She is currently employed as a gifted specialist for Morgan County Schools and also works part-time for Cultural Care Au Pair as a Local Childcare Consultant for au pairs and host families in North Alabama. As a passionate advocate for the marginalized community, she has found purpose in serving on the board of the Southeastern Diversity Project. She also lends her artistic talents to Bacchus by the River Crewe.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, photography, spending time with her two grandchildren, trying new restaurants, and listening to live music.
