Tina DeSelm
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Tina DeSelm is a passionate educator and an engaged member of the Melrose community.
She teaches 3rd grade at The Islamic Academy for Peace in Methuen, MA, where she is dedicated to shaping young minds with knowledge and compassion.
Beyond the classroom, Tina plays an active role in Melrose’s community life. As the administrator for both the Buy Nothing Melrose SW & SE and Cedar Park Facebook pages, she manages nearly 100 posts a week, fostering local connections and resource-sharing among neighbors. The strangest thing given away on Buy Nothing was a can of grasshoppers. Tina is a puzzle enthusiast and she generously offers her completed puzzles to the Buy Nothing group.
Her commitment to service extends beyond social media — she has served as a Girl Scout leader, prepares meals for the Community Freezer, and contributes to the Little Food Pantry, ensuring that support reaches those in need.
Her deep appreciation for music makes her a natural fit as an organizer for Porchfest. The 2025 festival is already set for September 20th, and she is currently seeking volunteers to bring it to life. This year, she also launched the first-ever Porchfest Indoor Concert Series in collaboration with Follow Your Art. The inaugural event took place in February, with two more performances on the horizon.
Originally from West Virginia, Tina spent time in California before settling in Melrose about 15 years ago. She shares her home with her two children and three beloved cats. A devoted sports fan, she passionately supports the San Francisco 49ers and LA Kings. One of her personal bucket list goals is to attend a hockey game in all 32 NHL stadiums — a journey she has already begun, having checked off five so far.
For Tina, Melrose is special because of its incredible people, thriving local businesses, and vibrant community events. She also appreciates its quirks — like the fact that Lincoln School isn’t on Lincoln Street, Winthrop School isn’t on Winthrop Street, and School Street has no school at all!
Through her dedication to education, community service, and digital engagement, Tina DeSelm continues to play a vital role in fostering a connected and dynamic Melrose.
