Melanie Chavez: St. Mary’s principal, devoted mom & wife and active shopper

Melanie Chavez is the principal at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Belen. She taught at the school for 12 years before becoming the principal in 2020. Chavez was born and raised in Belen, where she still lives with her husband, Mark. Her family includes their children Emmanuel and his wife, Jonel, Izaiah and Kaeley, and granddaughter, Saylor.

Q What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

A “When I find time alone in the car, I think about my family and how much they mean to me. I also find myself thinking about the many moments in the day at St. Mary’s — some that bring a smile to my face, while others require deeper thought. However, most of my alone time in my car is spent in prayer — and I pray A LOT!”

Q What’s a myth about your profession you’d like to bust?

A “Many believe principals are disconnected from the classroom, but my experience proves otherwise. As a former teacher, I understand the dedication required to lead students.

“Last year, I pulled double duty — teaching a class while serving as principal — to ensure our students had a qualified educator instead of a temporary fix. I firmly believe every student deserves a quality education and am dedicated to upholding that standard.”

Q What were you like in high school?

A “I was shy — just kidding! I was outgoing. I was also the student who followed the rules and did not like getting in trouble.”

Q What is the best advice you’ve ever received and from whom?

A “A professor once said in class, ‘Listen to people to understand, not to respond.’ This can be easier said than done at times, but it is so important, especially when working with students and parents.”

Q What did you want to be when you grew up?

A “A teacher! I always loved playing school with my best friend from the neighborhood, Jessica.”

Q Who inspires you?

A “I am inspired by my mother’s resilience. She has navigated life’s greatest challenges with a strength that never falters, always forging ahead with courage. Most importantly, she has remained deeply rooted in her faith, letting her devotion to God serve as a constant light in every situation.”

Q If you could work any other job for one day, what would it be and why?

A “If I could work in any other job for one day, it would be what my daughter does, a PICU RN. She spends her day helping children recover and thrive against the odds. She is a true hero in my book!”

Q What do you do in your free time?

A “Shop — I love shopping, whether it be for clothes, shoes or jewelry. My family and friends would tell you that I like to shop too much, but I refuse to listen because who needs that much negativity in their lives?”

Q What’s something about you most people don’t know?

A “I do not allow animals inside my house; however, my oldest son had multiple snakes in his room when he lived at home and, for some reason, it did not bother me, even when they would escape.”

Q What three books would you to take to a deserted island?

A “The Bible to keep me grounded, some sort of how to survive a deserted island book (for obvious reasons), and I have always wanted to be fluent in several languages, so a book on languages to help achieve my goal, since I would have plenty of time to study.”

Q You find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?

A “I have often said that if I ever won the lottery, I would donate most of it. I would set up more scholarship opportunities at St. Mary’s. I would donate a lot of it to cancer research in honor of my late sister. I would also ensure my family was well supported.”

Q Who is your best friend and why?

A “Not to get sentimental, but my best friend is my husband. For over 31 years, we’ve survived the good, the bad and the ‘what were we thinking?’ eras of life, but our commitment to our family has never faltered.”

Q What’s your favorite song to sing when you’re alone?

A “To be honest, you will find me singing all day — any song, any genre. My family will attest to this and tell you that I often add words or lyrics that don’t belong in the song!”

Q Where is your happy place, and why?

A “Honestly, anywhere all my family is together. I love sitting and looking around at my husband, children and grandbaby and realizing how fortunate I am — I thank God for the gift of my family every day! And Disney — land or world (if I could get my husband and Izaiah to join us, it would be perfect)!”

Q Have you had a life-changing experience that led you to where you are today?

A “When we first look at our children, we see only innocence and love. The eventual realization that someone will one day hurt their feelings or exclude them is heartbreaking for any parent. Because of this, I have made it my mission to ensure my children show kindness — even when it isn’t returned. And I must model that every day!”

Q What teacher had the greatest impact on you?

A “I could never pick just one teacher. I loved all my teachers. I feel they all had a positive impact on me, and I often reflect on their teaching style and have many times incorporated it into my classrooms.”

Q What is your favorite movie scene and why?

A “‘Fast & Furious,’ where Dom declares, ‘Money will come and go ... The most important thing in life will always be the people in this room. Salute mi familia.’ Family is everything, whether related by birth or chosen through friendship.”

Q If you could have dinner with one famous person – dead or alive – who would it be and why?

A “My first thought was God; however, I am not ready for that final meeting just yet. So, my next pick would be Robin Williams. With his quick wit and high energy, I know that dinner would be filled with nonstop laughter and would truly be memorable.”

Q What are you most proud of?

A “Hands down, my family! My family isn’t just a part of my life — they are my entire heart and the world I’ve built my life around. Quite simply, they are my everything.”

Q How would you like to be remembered?

A “Each morning, I end announcements by saying, ‘Be kind to everyone you see, not only with your words, but with your actions,’ and that is how I hope most people remember me — by being kind.”