Oregon’s only year-round school for children, teens, and young adults with Autism and related learning differences.

Melissa Harper

Transition Specialist

Melissa Harper

Melissa began her journey into Special Education in 2013 while working as a teaching assistant in a classroom for students with autism. At the time in school for Art Therapy, she quickly transitioned into teaching, as she'd realized she'd discovered her Calling.

Melissa arrived at Victory in 2014 as a Teaching Assistant and Registered Behavior Technician, earning her BA in Special Education in 2016. In 2018 she moved, teaching in public schools in Texas and Washington, but returned in 2020, declaring that she missed her Victory Home too much to stay away.

Melissa has held a variety of positions within Victory Academy: Middle School and High School teacher, Compass post-graduate program lead, and Transition Coordinator. Melissa returned to school, earning her master's degree and national certification in Transition Services in the spring of 2025. She now serves as Victory's Transition Specialist, teaching transition-related skills to all middle and high school classrooms, as well as providing supports and resources for families.

Melissa has a grown daughter who composes and plays a variety of musical instruments. When she isn't working, Melissa is spending time with her husband and daughter, playing card games and D&D, reading, watercolor painting, or hiking.

Melissa is grateful for her Victory Family. She believes that every day is a great day; there is always something new to discover, share, and celebrate.

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Accreditation and Non-Discrimination Policy

Victory Academy is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3), approved by the Oregon Department of Education, and accredited through Cognia.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY: Victory Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religious preference, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admission selections, educational policies and programs, and/or hiring and employment practices.

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