Sasha Blankenship is an accomplished band director with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Houston, where she graduated summa cum laude. Currently serving as the Melissa Middle School Fine Arts Coordinator and Melissa Middle School Band Director, Mrs. Blankenship brings a proven track record of excellence in music education. She began her career as the Assistant Band Director at Westwood Junior High, where she led her newly formed Concert Band to achieve its first Division I Superior ratings. Later, as Head Director at Parkhill Junior High, she grew the band program by 125%, with her Symphonic Band consistently earning "Sweepstakes" awards at UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contests. Her dedication to her students and program has earned her multiple accolades, including a Teacher of the Year nomination, the PTA Life Achievement Award, and the Pearce Community Women’s League Star Teacher award.

A product of Richardson schools and fine arts programs, Mrs. Blankenship graduated twelfth in her class with honors from Lake Highlands High School, where she was a Texas Music Scholar and a member of several national organizations, including the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She further honed her musical expertise by studying clarinet with Paul Garner, Associate Principal Clarinet of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Randall Griffin, Principal Clarinet of the Houston Ballet Company. Mrs. Blankenship’s professional affiliations include TMEA and the American Federation of Musicians.

In her free time Mrs. Blankenship and enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and her cat named Arya.