FPD Welcomes Melissa Brown as New Director of International Program

Melissa Brown Named Director of the International Program

First Presbyterian Day School (FPD) in Macon, Georgia, is excited to announce that longtime educator Melissa Brown has been named the new Director of the International Program. A dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church and a Macon native, Ms. Brown brings over two decades of classroom experience, a passion for missions, and a heart for cultural exchange to this leadership role.

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For the past 23 years—including 16 years at FPD—Ms. Brown has made an incredible impact in the classroom, most recently as a beloved fifth-grade teacher. Her dedication to student growth, academic excellence, and Christ-centered education has earned her the respect of faculty, families, and students alike.

“Melissa is a brilliant educator, with a heart for FPD and our international students,” said Matt Kitchell, incoming Head of School. “While we will miss her presence on the fifth-grade hall, we know she is the right fit to lead and grow our international program.”

With a background in mission work in Nicaragua and Mexico, Ms. Brown has long valued cross-cultural connections. Her passion for international education deepened when she began hosting an international student in 2024.

“Hosting a student has meant more than welcoming someone into my home; it has meant welcoming her into my family,” Ms. Brown shared. “She and my niece have become sweet cousins, and she considers my family her own. It has been a blessing for all of us!”

In her new role as Director, Ms. Brown is eager to expand FPD’s global reach and strengthen ties with students and families from countries like China, South Korea, and beyond. She looks forward to fostering a welcoming environment where international students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

“Through our international program, we live out our mission—to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory,” Ms. Brown said. “I’m honored to serve in this role and continue building bridges across cultures at FPD.”

When she’s not in the classroom or supporting students, Ms. Brown enjoys time with her lovable Golden Retriever, Lolly, who’s known for greeting everyone with a wagging tail.