It is a privilege and honor to introduce myself as the Military Student Transition Consultant (MSTC) for D49. My name is Melissa Dashner and I am committed to supporting military connected students as they enroll in D49 as well as provide ongoing support that is necessary to ensure a successful transition and beyond. Although I am embedded within the district, I am employed by the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) in support of collaboration between D49 and Military Child Education Coalition.

The purpose of the Military Student Transition Consultant is to provide the schools, school district and military connected student’s support as they face unique challenges related to transitions, deployments or reintegration of a military parent and their family. I am here to provide assistance in D49 enrollment as well as provide ongoing supports for students and their families.  I am also here to connect military families, students, and school district personnel with school, installation and community resources that can provide additional supports and services to our military families. In addition, I am excited to be an integral part in bringing Restorative Practices to the D49 community.

I am the veteran of the U.S. Army (active and CO/MT National Guards) and my son is currently Active Duty (in Korea) with the Army after serving three years in the CO Army National Guard. I continue to be active in my support of the military through various avenues in the community such as the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and American Legion Post 2008 located in Falcon, CO. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work focusing on military as well as provide American Sign Language services in the Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver communities. Throughout my personal and professional experiences, I have gained insight into the military community and am aware of the unique challenges that military families face.

In collaboration with School Liaison Officers and Military Family Life Counselors, I will work diligently to provide assistance with resource referrals, connect families to military support systems, provide emotional-social support and assistance with issues related to military life.

My office is located at the Creekside Success Center at 3850 Pony Tracks, Room 106B across from Sand Creek High School. Current grant schools and services are:

Falcon Zone                                                           Power Zone                                                                               

Falcon Middle School                                              Ridgeview Elementary                                                             

Meridian Ranch Elementary                                    Stetson Elementary                                                                                                

Woodmen Hills Elementary

Sand Creek Zone                                                   iConnect Zone

Evans Elementary                                                  Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

Horizon Middle School                                            Banning Lewis Prepratory Academy

Remington Elementary                                          Rocky Mountain Classical Academy

Please call, email or stop by with questions, ideas or to see how I might be able to help you and your family.  I welcome and appreciate any input regarding the needs that you see with our military connected children.  I am very excited for this opportunity and hope to continue building upon the innovative movements that we have taking place at D49.