With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Melissa has developed extensive expertise in program and service planning, review, and quality improvement; retention and student success; and academic advising, career development, and experiential and work-integrated learning.
She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of Li
With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Melissa has developed extensive expertise in program and service planning, review, and quality improvement; retention and student success; and academic advising, career development, and experiential and work-integrated learning.
She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of Liverpool and has actively participated in multiple research projects. Her involvement in developing several AR/VR learning modules highlights her commitment to innovative educational methods.
Additionally, she excels in using data to tell impactful stories, secure resources, and showcase the growth and development of students, programs, and services.
I believe in openness, curiosity and creativity, emphasizing a holistic understanding of the subject matter. By recognizing how qualitative and quantitative data can complement and enrich narratives, I use design thinking, and a collaborative and action-oriented research approach.
My approach allows me to transform complex ideas and information into meaningful components. I believe listening to clients is crucial, and I am committed to ensuring that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles are integrated and respected in all my work.
Gallo, M., McGill, C. M., & Duslak, M. (2025). Ontario academic advisors’ perspectives of advising practice (Unpublished manuscript), Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice.
Gallo, M. A., & McGill, C. (2023). Academic advising in Ontario: A multiple case study. NACADA Journal, 43(1).
Gallo, M. A., McGill, C. M. & Duslak, M. (2022). Ontario academic advisors' perspectives of professional development and advising practice. NACADA Annual Conference, Portland, OR.
Gallo, M. A. (2021). An Exploration of Professional Development Practices of Academic Advisors in the Ontario College System (Doctoral dissertation, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Fricker, T., Gallo, M., Redmond, N., & Waddington, D. (2018, 2019). Measuring Success: Three Evidence-Based Advising Interventions - a 'How-To' and the Research Supporting Them. Helping the Helper: Ontario Academic Advising Professionals Conference, Mississauga, ON; CACUSS Annual Conference, Calgary, AB.
Waltenbury, M., Brady, S., Gallo, M., Redmond, N., Draper, S., & Fricker, T. (2018). Academic Probation: Evaluating the Impact of Academic Standing Notification Letters on Students. Toronto: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, 2018.