Page 44 - BusinessWest September 28, 2020
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    Melissa Knowles
Principal, Veterans Park School, Ludlow; Age 37
Education: St. Michael’s College (BA), Springfield College (MA), American International College (CAGS)
 Among her many achievements, Knowles has developed standards for academic achievement, incorporated more arts into the curriculum, developed mentoring programs for students, and introduced Grow the Good, a program in which students and staff perform acts of kindness for Ludlow residents.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Since I was a little girl, I always wanted
to be a teacher. I used to force my younger brother to play school at home when we were kids. I would write on the chalkboard and
take every opportunity to take charge and tell him what to do. And I always loved school supplies! When I was about 11, I started my own birthday-party business with a friend, and we would plan games and activities at birthday parties. It was my first experience actually leading a group of children, and I never stopped after that.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Being awarded the job as principal at 28 years old. Although I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave the classroom so soon, I have no regrets and am proud of all I have accomplished with my staff and students in my nine years as
principal.
What do you do for fun? As the mother of two very happy and excitable boys, most of my fun revolves around spending time with them. I enjoy watching my oldest play sports, spending time outside, going on adventures or getaways with my husband and kids, and getting together with family and friends. I
also appreciate when I can sneak some time on my own to shop, especially at Target or HomeGoods.
What will work colleagues say at your funeral? Hopefully they will say I was a leader and role model, that I was passionate about kids and education, and that I had a big heart and put everything I had into everything I did.
I hope they will say I was creative and had
an ability to think outside the box, not afraid to take risks, but willing to try something
new or innovative — and always encouraged others to do the same. I hope they will say
I was kind and compassionate and valued each and every person for who they are, that
I showed everyone respect, regardless if we always agreed, and that I truly was so proud of everything we accomplished together.
Benjamin Lamb
Photo by Leah Martin Photography
   Photo by Leah Martin Photography
 A20 SEPTEMBER 28, 2020
BusinessWest
Director of Economic Development, 1Berkshire; Age 34
Education: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (BA),
the College of Saint Rose (M.Ed.), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D.)
Lamb’s work focuses on what he calls ‘wraparound economic development,’ which creates connective tissue between traditional and non-traditional participants in the region’s economic ecosystem — most notably through his development and launch of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, an economic-development imperative for the region’s next decade.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A rock collector.
What three words best describe you? Eclectic, dad, caffeine.
What goal do you set for yourself at the start of each day? Get it done.
Who inspires you, and why? My two-and-a-half- year-old son. His passion for things he loves, his intense focus when he is learning something new,
and his celebration of success make me see how even small actions and achievements can have meaningful impacts and reasons to be excited.
What person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why? I’m torn between Nikola Tesla and Bill Nye. Nikola’s mind was so incredible that I would just want to glean from his brilliance. Bill
Nye has inspired me since I was a child watching PBS. He made science and learning digestible, regardless of age, and has continued to be someone I deeply admire.
What do you do for fun? Find new and funky ways to celebrate the city I live in and the community I surround myself with.
What’s your favorite hangout or activity in Western Mass., and why? I just love getting outdoors with my family, even if it’s just in the backyard. It helps to remind me of the quality of life I get to enjoy in the Berkshires and the value of our natural surroundings here.
What fictional character do you relate to most, and why? Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She somehow fits 25 hours into the day, has a deep and unmatched love for her community and work, and is obnoxiously positive in her outlook 90% of the time. I think most who know me would recognize those qualities in what they experience with me.
How do you relieve stress? Gardening.
What will work colleagues say at your funeral?
Who’s going to water his plants?




























































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