MELISHA
ANDERSON
 

A lifelong resident of Middle Township, Melisha Anderson grew up in Whitesboro, New Jersey where she is now raising her daughter, Willow. Her parents, Gerald and Patricia Anderson raised Melisha along with her four siblings between Cape May Court House and Whitesboro homes. Melisha’s family roots extend from Stone Harbor’s 81st Street to Cape May’s Elmira Street.

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Melisha attended the Middle Township Public School system. Naturally athletic, she participated in softball, basketball, and track & field. A multiple letter recipient and team captain, these activities allowed her to cultivate her leadership skills. Off the field, Melisha worked hard at her studies and became a member of the National Honor Society, graduating with distinction. 

Her dedication to community started while in school, participating in student-led organization Ebony Awareness as vice president and president. She would become a vital part and serve briefly as President of her family’s non-profit, The C.U.R.T. Foundation, an organization that aims to help young people make their best choices when faced with challenging situations. Both organizations took Melisha into nursing homes and schools across the County, where she developed programming and hosted numerous events such as a blood and organ donation drive in collaboration with the Red Cross.

After graduating from Middle Township High School in 2002, she went on to attend Stockton University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and then a Master’s in Education through New Jersey’s Alternate Route program. Bringing that education back to the community, she was hired by the Middle Township Board of Education in 2018 and currently enjoys teaching reading to students K-2. In one of her proudest moments, Melisha and Middle Twp Elementary #1 administrators collaborated with the Coalition for Safe Communities and Comcast to provide internet access for students and their families for virtual instruction during the pandemic. After four years, Melisha is now a tenured educator at Middle Township Elementary #1. 

Prior to working in the public school system, Melisha served as the Community Justice Coordinator for the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. In this role, she helped create relationships between residents, local organizations, and law enforcement agencies to educate and expand access to resources throughout Cape May County. Through a collaborative effort, Melisha planned and organized the County Prosecutor’s Annual Bullying and Domestic Violence Prevention Conference attended by people from all over the country.

Melisha serves several community organizations as a volunteer: the Cape May County NAACP as the Political Action Chair; the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro as Chair for the Historical Committee; a member of the Social Justice Committee under the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office; and a member of the Diversity, Inclusion & Community Education committee for the Atlantic/Cape vicinage of the NJ Courts, among others. She is also the current President of Middle Township Democratic Club and treasurer for the Cape May County Democratic Regular Organization. Melisha continuously seeks ways to be involved in the community, a commitment that allows her to share her gifts, skills, and passions.