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Mrs. Puentes was born and raised in Coolidge, Arizona, and has been dedicated to elementary education since 2006. Over the course of her career, she has taught students in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade, and served as both a master teacher and an instructional coach.
She earned her first Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University in 2006 and completed her second Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix in 2024.

Melissa now serves as the Principal for Mary C. O’Brien Elementary School and Mary C. O’Brien Preschool, where she brings her passion for teaching and her deep belief that every student is capable of success. Her leadership is guided by a commitment to nurturing strong relationships and creating a supportive environment for learning.