Melina Lopez-Touceda

Originally from Argentina and a former national team field hockey player, Melina is a member of the school’s languages department and assists with the International Student Program. She is a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires, where she earned bachelor's and master’s degrees in nutritional sciences. Melina worked for three years at Suffield High School as a job coach in the Transition Program, teaching students with special needs important independent life skills.

In addition to teaching, she coaches field hockey with a passion and lasting love for the sport. Melina lives on campus as the dorm head in Spencer Hall and has three children: Juana ’21, Mercedes ’25, and Santiago ’26. Together they enjoy summers on the beach and the adventurous exploration of travel.

Where were you born?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

What do you love about where you are from?
The main things I love about Argentina are the food, music, the relaxed lifestyle, and the friendships I’ve created. Also, Argentina is where my family is, so it will always be my home.

If someone was traveling to where you are from for 24 hours, what would you recommend? 
I would recommend walking through downtown Buenos Aires and stopping through at the local restaurants and coffee shops along the city.

What would you tell them to do/where would you tell them to go?
San Telmo and La Boca are two neighborhoods where you could enjoy the culture. You could see people dancing tango on the streets and eat amazing food.

What do you love about where you live now?
The sunsets are never disappointing.

What is your favorite thing about day-to-day life at Suffield Academy?
Interacting with the students and making their learning fun.

What is the first thing you do every morning when you get to work?
Plan out a fun day!

What is something your Suffield Academy family might not know about you?
I don’t like to cook and I played field hockey on the Argentinean national team.

What is the one word that you live by?
Resilience

What is something you believe one can never over-invest in?
Creating long-lasting friendships and caring for your family.

What is your favorite hobby? 
My favorite hobby is reading. I love to read, especially during the summer at the beach.

What advice would you give a new teacher at Suffield Academy?
Take part in all the activities that Suffield offers as a community.

What is the most important life lesson for someone to learn?
Treat people the way you want to be treated.

What is your favorite song of all time?
I have three that I love: “With or Without you” by U2; “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and “What a Wonderful World” by L. Armstrong

Who is your role model? Inspiration?
My parents, who inspire me to be a better person, mother, and friend

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to travel to different places, but nothing is like my home in Argentina, where my family and childhood friends are.

What is your favorite food?
Argentinean empanadas