This week’s Staff Feature is Mrs. Melissa Alba, one of our Preschool Teacher’s Aides, who is beginning her second year at St. Luke’s. Before joining St. Luke’s, Mrs. Alba spent 25 years as an occupational therapist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida. A native Floridian, she enjoys spending time outdoors, especially paddleboarding, biking, hiking, and going to the beach. Her love of adventure has also taken her overseas, including hiking the Picos de Europa in Spain.Mrs. Alba and her husband have been married for 31 years and have two adult daughters. Earlier this year, their family grew when their oldest daughter got married and they welcomed a son-in-law to the family. At St. Luke’s, one of Mrs. Alba’s favorite traditions is the weekly Preschool chapel service. She especially loves watching the children blow a kiss to Jesus at the end of chapel, a simple moment that reflects the personal connection they are developing with their faith.
Mrs. Alba’s favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” That message of love is also at the heart of what she values about being part of St. Luke’s. She appreciates the sense of peace that comes from working alongside others who share the same desire for students to know how deeply they are loved. While helping children grow developmentally and academically is important, Mrs. Alba believes nurturing their faith and surrounding them with Christ’s love is most important of all. St. Luke’s is grateful to have Mrs. Alba as part of our Preschool team and for the love, care, and faith she shares with our youngest Wildcats each day.