My name is Melissa Akana. This is my ninth year teaching! I began my teaching career here at Lake Panasoffkee Elementary in 2010. I took a short three year break to teach in Marion County and I have now returned to Lake Panasoffkee Elementary (The best place to be)! I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and I earned my Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning. I continue to take classes to keep up with the latest and greatest in education. Can you tell I like school? I love putting fresh new approaches into practice! I live with my husband, stepdaughter, daughter, and 2 dogs (Scrappy & Ana) in Ocala.