Melissa Smith

Welcome to my digital portfolio!

I am a doctoral candidate (EdD) at CQU researching the experiences of children, teachers and volunteers in ‘reading to dogs’ reading interventions. In 2023, I was awarded a highly competitive Australian RTP stipend to support my research. As of Sept 2025….I have submitted my thesis for examination!

Currently, I am an Educational. Designer for Accessibility at Edith Cowan University as they undergo a curriculum transformation. I also unit coordinate and teach in education units (BEd and MTeach). I am particularly experienced in literacy teaching and secondary professional experience / pedagogy units that operate in an asynchronous, online learning environment.

I deliver regular training to HDR students and classroom teachers around qualitative data, wellbeing for staff and oral presentation skills. Before moving into university teaching, I was a classroom teacher and school leader for 20 years and had a very varied career with extensive experience in trauma settings and flexible schooling.

I also do public speaking around living with disability, inclusion in workplaces and different ways to respond to “but you don’t look disabled”.

I get excited about all things learning related and am a self-labeled crazy dog lady. I am heavily involved in community volunteering with programs including Labrador Rescue, Reading Dawgz and Share the Dignity.

Email: contactmelsmith@gmail.com