Melissa VanDonge teaches Honors English II, Composition and Literature II, Applied English Communications/English Essentials, and Student Publications. She is also the prom sponsor. Melissa received a Bachelor of Science in Education in English and Journalism from Emporia State University. This is her 33rd year in education and 27th year at Hayden Catholic.
Melissa and her late husband Ted have two daughters: Rilee Steinlage, who is a registered veterinary technician at a veterinary clinic in Lawrence, and Dr. Kortnee Van Nest, DVM, who is a PhD student at Kansas State University. She has one grandson, Max.