Volunteer Work: Melanie initiated the UT Garden Volunteer Program; coordinated, scheduled, and managed 35 Volunteers who worked approximately 600 hours each year; and created the Thymely Volunteer News, a quarterly newsletter, as well as all other mailings and activities for the Volunteer Program. Melanie helped Spring Hill Elementary School create and instruct through a new school garden. She has done "visiting teaching lessons" to schools, YMCA's, local boys and girls clubs, and community centers. Melanie has also taught a course with the UT outreach center.