Melissa Strauss
Tallahassee,FL
Summary
Copywriter with experience in crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences and elevate brand presence. Proficient in content editing, SEO strategies, and written communication, consistently driving engagement and readership through innovative storytelling. Passionate about leveraging language to inspire and connect.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Writer
Epic Gardening/All About Gardening
San Diego, California
08.2022 - 11.2025
- Authored engaging articles through compelling storytelling and personal connection.
- Collaborated with editors to enhance content quality and clarity.
- Researched and analyzed gardening trends to add up-to-date, reliable information to my articles.
- Edited and proofread submissions for grammar, style, and accuracy.
- Utilized SEO best practices to enhance online visibility of articles.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative story ideas.
ESOL Instructor
VIPkid
Tallahassee, FL
09.2016 - 07.2020
- I taught English to non-native speakers, enhancing language skills, and boosting student confidence and engagement.
- Tailored teaching strategies to improve student performance.
- Facilitated a supportive learning environment, resulting in increased student motivation and success.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods, achieving measurable improvements in language acquisition.
SAT Essay Rater
ETS
02.2016 - 04.2017
- Reviewed and scored SAT essays, ensuring adherence to a structured rubric for argument support.
- Consulted a rubric to maintain consistency and accuracy in scoring.
English Language Arts Instructor
Palm Beach County School District
Boca Raton, FL
09.2008 - 08.2015
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse language arts curriculum.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and communication skills.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align instructional strategies and share best practices.
Advertising Assistant National Sales Team
Tallahassee Democrat
Tallahassee, FL
01.2003 - 03.2005
- Assisted in coordinating advertising campaigns for various local and national businesses.
- Supported graphic designers in creating visually appealing ad layouts.
Accounting
Equifax Marketing Solutions
Boca Raton, FL
09.2001 - 12.2003
- Processed invoices using accounting software applications.
- Evaluated existing accounting systems and identified opportunities for improvement.
- Ensured compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles standards.
Education
B.A. - English Language and Literature
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL12-2008
Skills
- Dynamic Content
- Content creation
- Search engine optimization
- Copy editing
- Article research
- Gardening knowledge
- Content strategy
- Brand development
- Audience engagement
- Collaborative teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Creative storytelling
Career Pauses
- July 2020 – August 2022 - My third and last child was born in August 2020, and I took an extended leave to care for my new baby and family. My ultimate career goal has always been to work in a journalistic role, and I was fortunate to have this time to move in that direction toward a career that I truly enjoy.
- September 2015 – September 2016 - My second child was born in 2015, and we moved to a new city that year. I took a pause here to enjoy time off with my daughter, and make the transition for my family a smooth one.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Staff Writer
Epic Gardening/All About Gardening
08.2022 - 11.2025
ESOL Instructor
VIPkid
09.2016 - 07.2020
SAT Essay Rater
ETS
02.2016 - 04.2017
English Language Arts Instructor
Palm Beach County School District
09.2008 - 08.2015
Advertising Assistant National Sales Team
Tallahassee Democrat
01.2003 - 03.2005
Accounting
Equifax Marketing Solutions
09.2001 - 12.2003
B.A. - English Language and Literature
Florida Atlantic University