Instrument/Department: Expressive Arts, Art Therapy
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2024
Melissa Gernon, SSJ, MS, recently graduated from Nazareth University with a Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy. She likes working with people of all ages and has an affinity for caregivers who care for ill or aging relatives. She also loves working with children. She taught elementary school children ages 3 through 6th grade for 25 years before joining the Creative Arts Therapy program.
Melissa’s favorite art forms are creating mandalas, creating collages, and using acrylic paints. She considers herself a multi-media artist, meaning she likes combining different types of art media in one artwork.
Melissa is a lifelong Rochesterian and a Catholic nun, Sister of St. Joseph. She went to Hochstein when she was a teenager for piano lessons. Melissa has been on six cruises with her dad and her favorite trip was to Iceland. Today, she loves visiting her dad at a local nursing home and listening to Christian radio.
More About Melissa Gernon
Hometown: Rochester, NY
What inspires me: I am most inspired by people who desire to improve their lives through art.
Why the arts matter: Art is a way to allow people to express themselves through art especially when words are not enough. Art is a way to help people gain insight into the world whether the art is created by themselves or someone else. Art promotes healing and growth!
Favorite things to do in Rochester: I love walking on Durand Eastman Beach and looking for beach glass. I also enjoy hiking in many of the state parks around the Finger Lakes region of New York. Finally, I enjoy writing poetry along with my art.
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: At the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse. As a Sister of St. Joseph, I love visiting with our elder Sisters and helping where I am needed.
My favorite local restaurant: I love the Basin Pub, especially for their beef on weck, or The Atlantic Family Restaurant for their omelets.
My favorite place to travel: anywhere on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Favorite TV Show: I am a game show junkie! I love Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Price is Right, and my new favorite, Scrabble.
What people would be surprised to know about me: I am a Catholic Nun who does not like to cook but when I do, I prefer to use a new-to-me recipe and make a few changes. I would prefer to clean up and do the dishes!