Meet Melissa Hodges! Melissa was born and raised in Telfair County. She graduated from Georgia Southern University and started her teaching career in 2000. Melissa and her husband, Heath were married and moved to Jackson County in 2010. They decided to start a family here because the community reminded them of the small towns where they grew up. They attend Southside Church, and Melissa enjoys volunteering on the Greater Jackson County Young Life Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, watching her kids do what they love, shopping, and walking with her friend, Robin.
I have known Melissa for many years, and she is one of the most genuine, caring, and encouraging people you could ever meet. We would like to thank Melissa for telling us a little bit about herself and what she loves about our community.
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “I have been married to Heath Hodges for 15 years. We have two amazing sons, Owen (13) and Hank (10). Of course, I can’t forget Sky, the family dog.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I have been teaching for 20 years. My teaching span has included Houston County, Fulton County, Barrow County, and now Jefferson City Schools. I currently teach ELA in 6th & 7th grade with some amazing teachers. I am also the Special Education Department Chair at Jefferson Middle School. I work with some of the best teachers around, and they are like my family. I have taught Special Education all 20 years, and it can be the most draining and rewarding job at the same time. I light up when I see my students reach their goals and never give up. They make me a better person each day!”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “I enjoy eating at a local Mexican restaurant in town before or after an event. You always run into friends there. Heath and I love to eat on the patio at Local Station on beautiful Sunday afternoons.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “My family and I moved here in 2010. I stayed home with my oldest for a couple of years and then started working at Jefferson Middle School in 2012.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “The most interesting person I have met here in Jackson County is Janet Buchanan. We met the Buchanans through mutual friends when we first moved to Jefferson. Janet is the most inspirational and supportive person that I know. We served on the Greater Jackson County Young Life Committee together. She makes you feel like you can do anything. Her calmness and words have a way to your heart. I’m a better person because of people like her and Doug.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I would love to visit many places, but one, in particular, would be Israel. I would love to visit some of the same areas that Jesus did.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “Unfortunately, I’m not a big movie or TV person. Sometimes I say I will watch a movie with my family so that I can use it as an excuse to snuggle.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Everyone matters! No matter what you think of yourself, you matter to someone. I try to make sure my students know they matter to me, and that I see them.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I would love to take a visit to Yellowstone National Park.”
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “Yacht Rock station!”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “The boys and I visit three different spots around town after school. We have to make a stop at Dairy Queen, Kay’s Vintage Pantry, and Clipper each week. We love to support our local businesses!”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “I would love to have lunch with Richard Woods, Georgia’s School Superintendent, at Cream N Shuga. I would love to have a real conversation about education with him.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “My favorite thing about our community is the love and support people show when you are in need.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “I see myself retiring from teaching and heading to the lake to start a new chapter. My dream is to open a boutique with clothes and gifts!”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I have over 100 Nutcrackers that I display at Christmas time.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Curacao Island- This is where we went for our honeymoon, and it was gorgeous.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “My favorite month is October because of football, Fall, and it’s my birthday month. My favorite holiday is Christmas because it’s our Savior’s birthday. The best single day on the calendar is October 27th because it’s the day that Heath and I got married.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Sitting on a sunny beach with the waves hitting my feet.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “I strive daily to do my Bible Study. This gives me peace and encouragement to face the obstacles that may come my way. Jesus’ life and teachings inspire me to be a better person daily.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “I love the smell of lavender. It reminds me of tranquility and peace.”
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Heath, Owen, Hank.”
