About Us

About ASM Public Archaeology

We develop community-based outreach programs for kids to adults, integrating the disciplines of archaeology, preservation, and conservation, to nurture a greater understanding of cultural identity, preservation of the past, and to cultivate creative approaches to future conservation practices.

ASM Public Archaeology is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed in 2024 from our parent company, ASM Affiliates, an archaeological consulting firm. We work in partnership with local communities, bringing our skills and expertise in the practice of archaeology while valuing the knowledge and learning from the lived experiences of the cultural descendants and communities in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Hawaiʻi.

School Supplies Delivered

5000 +

Learning Centers Built

120 +

Volunteer Teachers Mobilized

300 +

Countries Reached

50 +

Meet Our Team

We create thoughtful programs and activities developed for educators, tribal members, and clients wishing to engage with children and local communities.

Melissa Belk

Director

Melissa Belk is the Director of Public Archaeology. She holds an MSc in Mediterranean Archaeology, with a focus on Egyptology. She has over 15 years of experience working in formal and informal education for the Natural History Museum London, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Ms. Belk has curated and digitized learning collections, developed curriculum and lesson plans, taught K-12 workshops, and facilitated hands-on learning experiences combining wildlife conservation, world history, and archaeology.

Jennifer Lepe

Education Program Developer

Jen Lepe is an Education Program Developer with ASM Public Archaeology. She has over a decade of experience in informal education across various institutions in the greater Los Angeles area. Her work centers on creating engaging, inclusive learning experiences that spark curiosity, foster meaningful connections between people and place, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the communities she serves. Jen is passionate about creating educational experiences that will inspire people of all ages to share their thoughts, stories, and questions.

Brianna Mendez

Educator

Brianna Mendez is an associate archaeologist and educator for ASM Public Archaeology. She has almost a decade of professional experiences spanning the coastal and south Pacific including California, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Hawaiʻi. Her work centers around supporting local communities through archaeology, plant ecology, and cultural recognition. She creates programs that aim to bring people of all ages together to connect through meaningful education events grounded in cultural experiences, material, and knowledge.

What make us different

Leila Henry

Leila Henry

Leila Henry

Empower Through Education

We provide access to quality education and learning resources for children and adults in underserved communities.

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End Hunger and Malnutrition

We support families in crisis with food packages, school meals, and nutrition programs to ensure no one goes to bed hungry.

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Promote Health and Well-being

We offer free medical camps, health education, and access to clean water to support healthier lives.

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Protect the Planet

We lead initiatives focused on environmental conservation, waste reduction, and climate education to safeguard our future.

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Support Livelihoods and Jobs

We train and equip individuals with vocational skills to break the cycle of poverty through stable employment.

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Provide Emergency Relief

In times of natural disaster, conflict, or crisis, we respond quickly with shelter, supplies, and humanitarian aid.

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Empower Women and Girls

We support gender equality by offering education, protection, and leadership opportunities to women and girls.

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Build Strong Communities

We invest in infrastructure, local leadership, and long-term development projects that strengthen communities from within.

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We inspire and help them live better

Empowering Lives Through Compassion

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Hope for Every Heart

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Together for Change

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Building a Brighter Tomorrow

To restore dignity and opportunity to those in need through sustainable programs that feed, educate, and empower.

Our core beliefs

Compassion in Action

We believe that compassion is a force capable of transcending boundaries and transforming lives.

By translating empathy into tangible actions, we strive to alleviate suffering and bring hope to those facing adversity.

Empowering Communities

Our mission is rooted in the empowerment of communities.

We work towards creating opportunities for education, health, and sustainable livelihoods, recognizing that empowered communities are the architects of their own progress.

Equality and Inclusion

We champion the principles of equality and inclusion.

Our mission is to dismantle barriers and create a world where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for a dignified life.