AA Next Level Services was founded in July 2020 by CEO Melissa Akers-Atkins. Melissa has become adept at handling multiple positions and executing them well, a skill she acquired from balancing leadership roles while in college, but honed largely as an educator and advisor.
With over 14 years of classroom experience, Melissa has served as both a Middle School and High School teacher, GED Instructor, College Education Advisor, United Federation of Teachers Representative, Youth Advocate and Website Manager, just to name a few. She is a two time graduate of St. John’s University holding State Certification in both NY and FL for Elementary Education k-6 B.S. and Secondary Education with a Concentration in Math M.S.
With a passion for learning and teaching, Melissa always wanted to be in a career that was a two-way street. “A career that not only allows me to be a life-long teacher, but a life-long learner as well.” She has been an invited Celebrity Science Fair guest on the Dr. Oz Show and in addition to her teaching and advisor roles, she served as the Educational Coordinator/Assistant Director for the non-profit organization, The Child Center of NY. It was here that she received the Shining Star Award for going “above and beyond” for the youth and families who are served by their program.
Melissa decided in July 2020, it was time to use all the skills she has acquired over time, advice from her family, friends and mentors and combine it with her love for teaching, youth advocacy, and community building to create a platform that provides support to its clients and employees to reach their next level through academic, personal and recreational support.
Serving as the Vice-President of the Omicron Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Vice President of Services for Haraya, The Pan-African Students’ Coalition, President of the Education Society, University Orientation Leader/Coordinator, Resident Assistant, Alpha Peer Mentor, Liberty Partnership Program Mentor, Member of the Teacher Opportunity Corps, Recipient of the Outstanding Future Black Alumni and later on the Recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award in the School of Education, Melissa has seen first hand how giving back, youth advocacy and community building has played a major role in the advancement of others.
Melissa is currently a HS Math Educator, Sponsor for the HS Chapter of Haraya, The Pan-African Students’ Coalition at LOLHS, Board Member of The Black Alumni Association at St. John’s University, Co-Founder of For The Culture UP.E Community Group, Co-Admin for the Young & Free Ministry at Carmel Friendship Church, 2nd Vice-President and Media/Webmaster for Dr. John Long Middle School PTSA, a Wife and Mother of 2.
Melissa believes, “Leadership is an opportunity to inspire, motivate and support others while creating greatness together.”
