Mrs. Melissa McCrary is a native of Charlotte, NC.  She began dancing at the age of 3 and has loved it ever since.  Mrs. McCrary received her bachelor's degree in dance education from Winthrop University, her master's degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina, and is working on her doctorate in educational technology from the University of Phoenix.  Her dissertation research focuses on providing online professional development and resources for classrooms teachers to better implement arts integration into their classrooms.  

In addition to teaching dance here at Chester Park, Ms. McCrary is also the arts grant manager and arts integration specialist.  ALthough she wears many hats, her first love is dance and always will be.  Mrs, McCrary is excited to continue her work in the classroom and with teachers to increase the arts education opportunities for our students at Chester Park Elementary School of the Arts.