By Krystle J Bailey
Melanie Waldman, also known as “Little Miss Representation,” took what could have been a monumental serving of life’s proverbial lemons and turned them into sweet, “accessible” lemonade. When the Egg Harbor Township High School graduate suffered the loss of her right arm in 2013 as a young adult, her life changed in unimaginable ways.
Refusing to become a victim of her circumstances, Waldman set out to chart her own path while using her voice to normalize the role that disability plays in society. The public speaker, yoga instructor, teacher, and performer is now thriving in her life and career as she honors the last 10 years since her unexpected limb loss and looks forward to exciting new ventures that lie ahead.
From speaking on stages for Pfizer, Medtronic, and American Eagle to teaching accessible yoga and acting classes, Waldman uses her life experiences combined with her Rutgers University education to inspire and empower others living with disabilities. Through her social media and public appearances, including her time as an on-air model on the QVC network, Waldman speaks on topics from accessibility and inclusion to fashion and mindfulness. Her new podcast, “Little Miss Representation,” on the Amplitude Media platform, brings people with disabilities into the spotlight and offers a space for conversation about misrepresentation in the media. Waldman’s witty and lighthearted demeanor captivates audiences, while her resiliency and drive inspire individuals both with and without disabilities.
Waldman is a SAG-AFTRA actress and has appeared in productions including Halle Berry’s 2020 production, “Bruised,” and Amazon Prime’s “Goliath.” When she isn’t on set as an actress, Waldman teaches young aspiring performers at Weist Barron Ryan in Galloway.
Waldman is a three-time nominated finalist and two-time winner of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, an annual weekend-long filmmaking contest where contestants are given 55 hours to write and produce short films. In 2013, Waldman won “Best Comedy” at the Rutgers Campus Moviefest with her production, “Ill Conceived.”
As a yoga instructor with The Lucky Fin Project, a non-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and celebrate those affected by limb differences, Waldman specializes in accessible and adaptive yoga classes. With 200 hours of training in Baptiste-style yoga teaching, 30 hours of accessible yoga training, and 15 years of personal yoga experience, Waldman discovered a need for accessible yoga following her limb loss and stepped up to fill the gap.
When Waldman graduated from Rutgers University with dual degrees in heater and journalism, she set out to Disney World with dreams of becoming a Disney Princess. Her affinity for dark humor and light-hearted approach to life brings a smile to her face as she laughs that her first Disney role was in the Pirate’s League prior to the loss of her right arm. Though Waldman’s Disney dreams were halted following her hospital stay, she set out on a journey where she learned that “the most magical place on earth” was already within her.
Learn more about Melanie Waldman at melanieriverawaldman.com and follow her on Instagram @whereswaldman.
