Melissa Carlton earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology & Sociology from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She then earned a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and a Professional Diploma (Educational Specialist) in School Psychology from Kean University. She began her career as a school psychologist in the East Hanover Twp School District (NJ) and then continued in the School District of Waukesha (WI). She joined the Chesterfield Twp School District Child Study Team in 2016.

While working as a school psychologist in Chesterfield, Dr. Carlton completed a PhD in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. She has published empirical research in the areas of Multi-Tier Systems of Support and grade-level retention practices. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she also completed extensive training as a Trauma-Informed/Resilience Focused practitioner through STARR Commonwealth. She was named the Interim Supervisor of Special Services for the 2023-2024 school year and was later confirmed as the department Supervisor for the 2024-25 school year. In addition to her role at Chesterfield, she teaches undergraduate courses for the 3+1 Inclusive Education program at RCBC / Rowan University. Dr. Carlton currently serves as the district Affirmative Action Officer, McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, Military Family Liaison, and MTSS / I&RS Co-Chairperson.