Recent awards:

Teacher of the Month @ Ruskin High School, September 2021

Years of teaching experience:

14 years of experience

Areas of expertise:

Spanish Language Education; Latin American Studies; Border Studies; Language, Literacy & Culture; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Educational background:

Present Doctoral student in Ed.D. in Literacy, Culture & Language Education, Indiana University-Bloomington

2014 All But Dissertation (ABD) in Ph.D. in Spanish with concentration in Border Studies, University of Arizona 

2011 Master of Arts (MA) in Spanish and Latin American Studies with English-Spanish Translation Certificate, American University 

2007 Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish & Secondary Education w/ Teaching Certification, Buena Vista University 

Why I Chose Education as My Career of Choice:

I grew up with a Master Educator for a mother, forever wanting to become a teacher, myself. Being a Spanish language educator allows me to be a bridge-builder between languages and cultures, and to inspire future bridge-builders in the process. There is no greater honor and privilege than serving the youth of today, helping to create a greater tomorrow for everyone. 

Personal Interests:

In my spare time, I love to spend time with family (I am a very proud tía!), read, put my Spanish and Portuguese to use for the greater good, exercise, and imagine my next Camino de Santiago and/or other international adventure.