My name is Melanie Barnes and I am originally from Rhode Island, the Ocean State.  I attended the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, from 1999-2003, where I majored in psychology.  I received my Master of Education in School Counseling (and graduated with a 4.0 GPA) from The College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia.  I am about to become a National Certified Counselor, as I passed the National Counselor Examination!  My passion is for working with gifted and talented students at the elementary and middle school levels.  I enjoy reading and exercising, and am an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.  I attend games whenever possible.  I am in the process of moving back to New England, and will be living in Massachusetts.  Right now, I am very eager to begin my career as a school guidance counselor in Massachusetts!