Christine Brandell-Melendez is in her twenty-fourth year of teaching. She previously advised the El Demonio yearbook and Demon Chronicle newspaper at Dysart High School before being recruited to Highland High School in Gilbert to advise the Talon yearbook. She has received both the Freeman Hover and Forest Martin awards from AIPA for her contributions to scholastic journalism. Now teaching AP Economics and Economics at Paradise Valley High School, Brandell-Melendez continues her dedication to education while balancing family life. She also serves as the Arizona State Director for the Journalism Education Association.