Mrs. Melanie Keenan

Position: Instrumental Music Teacher

Biography:

Melanie grew up in Colorado with a love for adventure, mountains, and music.  She joined the Air Force in 1990 and was stationed at Elmendorf as a firefighter.  She was also a member of the Central Mat-Su Fire Department and a 911 dispatcher.  However, music was calling her.  Melanie began teaching private lessons in 1997 and found her real passion in teaching music.  Since then Melanie has taught private lessons for violin, viola, cello, mandolin, and guitar as well as ensembles and folk bands.  In 2005 she started an after-school string program at Tanaina Elementary.  Melanie also began the Mat-Su Folk Arts Camp in 2006, but had to put that on hold after two years as her own children were too busy over the summers.  When Birchtree opened in 2010, Melanie was thrilled to have the opportunity to become the orchestra teacher.  Her two youngest children attend Birchtree.  Melanie lives in Wasilla with her husband Michael and their three children Ethan, Emily, and Noah and four dogs.  They enjoy traversing Hatcher’s Pass, soccer, music, and just being together.