Welcome to the ACE Alumni Spotlight, where we highlight our alumni and share their stories.
Melissa Saeedpour is a seasoned clinical practice manager who earned an M.Ed. in Special Education from American College of Education (ACE) in 2024. Her career is inspired by personal experiences with special needs within her family. Not only did her titles as sister and mom influence her passion, but they sparked a desire to ensure others receive the care they need in efficient and effective ways. It was an inspiration to hear more about her journey and career.
ACE: You have extensive experience in clinical management and medical billing for a high-achieving practice. Tell us about your current role and what led you to this career.
Melissa Saeedpour (MS): Some of my earliest memories are shaped by health as I learned how to manage asthma while still chasing after the things I loved, like running. At the same time, I watched my sister walk through a life-altering illness, and that season of life stayed with me.
These experiences taught me how critical it is to have compassionate, well-coordinated care. I knew I wanted to be part of that world, but I also knew I wasn’t meant for the clinical side. Finding my place in clinical management and medical billing allowed me to support both patients and providers behind the scenes, making sure care is not only given, but supported, organized and accessible.
ACE: What inspired you to earn an M.Ed. in Special Education, and what are your aspirations now that you’ve completed it?
MS: My path into special education didn’t begin in a classroom. It began at a table, sitting in an individualized education program meeting as a parent. When my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, I quickly realized how overwhelming and complex the system could be. I remember leaving meetings feeling frustrated, unsure and wishing I had the knowledge to better advocate for him. That feeling became my turning point.
I pursued my M.Ed. in Special Education not just for my son but for every parent who has ever felt that same way. Along the journey, I also earned my Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in behavioral analysis in 2025. Today, my goal is to be the person I once needed, someone who empowers students and supports families with both knowledge and compassion.
ACE: What was the most impactful component of your ACE program?
MS: The ACE program met me in a season of life where I was balancing everything – career, motherhood and personal growth. The flexibility of the online format made it possible, but it was the people and the learning that made it meaningful. My professors didn’t just teach; they equipped me with tools I could immediately use in real-life situations.
Learning about special education law was especially powerful, as it shifted my confidence completely. I went from feeling uncertain in meetings to walking in with clarity, purpose and a voice. That transformation has had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional life.
ACE: Tell us about the book you recently published and how it came about.
MS: My book was born out of heartbreak but also out of healing. After my friends experienced the loss of a long-standing relationship, I found myself trying to make sense of emotions that didn’t have easy answers. Writing became my way of processing it all.
What started as personal reflection slowly turned into something bigger, a collection of 28 poems, each paired with a journaling prompt and affirmation. I wanted readers to not just read the words but to have someone walk alongside them in their own healing journeys.
The book is raw, honest and deeply personal, but it’s also hopeful. It reminds readers that even in heartbreak, there is space to rebuild, rediscover and grow.
ACE: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in the business side of healthcare?
MS: I would tell them that impact doesn’t always happen at the bedside. Sometimes, it happens behind the scenes in the systems that keep everything running. The business side of healthcare requires precision, integrity and a deep understanding that every task connects to a real person’s well-being.
Stay curious, be willing to learn and don’t underestimate the value of strong relationships. There will be moments that challenge you, but if you stay grounded in purpose and compassion, your work will matter. Find where your strengths meet your passion, and don’t be afraid to grow into roles you never originally imagined for yourself.
Being an American College of Education alum has its perks. When you return as an alum for another program, you receive discounted tuition with the Alumni Continuing Education Grant. That’s Smarter Ed.
