Restorative Leadership & School Culture Training

Melissa Ugarte, an educator with over two decades of experience, founded The Educated Edge, LLC with a vision for helping schools and organizations build healthier, more productive environments through stronger relationships, effective communication, and intentional practices.

Recognizing the important role that social-emotional learning and relational skills play in both schools and workplaces, Melissa developed a comprehensive approach that provides adults with practical language, strategies, and frameworks for creating positive climates. The Educated Edge also helps organizations establish clear expectations for how young people and adults communicate, navigate conflict, build relationships, and contribute to their communities.

At its core, The Educated Edge believes that strong relationships are the foundation for successful organizations. By strengthening communication, accountability, connection, and belonging, schools and workplaces can create environments where people are better equipped to learn, work, lead, and thrive.

Melissa’s professional experience spans counseling, behavior management, education, organizational leadership, and restorative practices. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Restorative Practices and has served as a licensed trainer and instructor in restorative practices and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Through The Educated Edge, Melissa has partnered with organizations to strengthen relational capacity among youth and adults and to build sustainable cultures rooted in communication, connection, accountability, and growth.