Melissa Montañez-Rodriguez, Administrative Coordinator in the Office of Early Childhood and Student Services, has been named Employee of the Month for June 2025.
“Melissa always steps up without being asked,” shared Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, Director of Early Childhood and Student Services. “Melissa offers support and informal mentoring, which helps to build a positive, team-first culture in the office. You really see her initiative shine during projects and events, where she thinks ahead, spots potential issues, and helps everything run smoothly. Melissa’s energy and drive make her a huge part of our success, and we’re so thankful to have her on the team.”
Melissa was born and raised in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, where her early experiences shaped her resilience and values. In August 2006, she relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania.
Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing and a minor in management. She shares her life with her husband, Miguel (Mike) Luis Rodriguez, and their little sassy dog, Pixie. Together, they have a beautiful, combined family of four adult children—three of whom are married—and are blessed with three wonderful grandchildren.
Outside of work, Melissa is committed to nurturing others through building and guiding small groups and helping to cultivate a strong, connected community at her church.
Melissa shares that the most rewarding part of her role is the variety of her work and the constant challenge of refining processes to enhance efficiency and impact.
You might not know that Melissa used to compete in dance competitions!