Abduction Prevention Education

Knowledge  •  Awareness  •  Empowerment

About Me

Working with children has been a life long passion for me. After receiving aBachelor of Science in Child Development in 1978 from CalPoly SLO, I went on to become a teacher and director of  preschool programs throughout California for seven years. Ireceived my California K-8 teaching credential in 1986 and taught 4th and 6th graders until 2003. I left my post in Hilmar tofollow my heart and teach more children through my Abduction Prevention and Child Safety program.

My involvement in child safety education began in earnest in 1994 as  Hilmar School District's Safety Mentor, following the attempted kidnapping of a sixth grader. I developed a written curriculum for Abduction Prevention and Child Safety. I have only grown more involved in the last thirteen years and have presented before more then 100,000 students, parents and staff.

I have written a four-part building block -type child safety series, called, What Should You Do? for use in both the classroom and at home. The series is a parent and teacher curriculum that builds information through reading age appropriate material and rereading and practicing the program's hands on portion. We are pleased to announce that Melinda has signed with Tate Publishing for her new book ,"What Should You Do?"with anticipated release in 2010.

I also am involved in my local community by volunteering time with the elderly, working on the Junior Miss Scholarship local and State Programs, Legacy Circle Fund raiser for Emmanuel Medical Center, and the Central Valley Labrador Rescue. I have two married daughters and a two grandchildren to enjoy.

My husband, the dogs, cats and I live in the central valley of California.

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© Melinda Tripp, 2005