Birthday: August 31 Virgo

Hometown: Hereford, Texas (81% Hispanic) (Amarillo)

Family: Raised by my incredible Grandparents and

Single Parent (Mom).

2 siblings, 1 brother and 1 sister,

Culture: I was raised totally immersed within the Latino community and culture.

I grew up with strong Latino influences including religion, cuisine, family, music and

language. I am continually motivated and possess a deep respect for this culture.

Language: English Speaker with less than perfect Spanish, yet able to communicate professionally in Spanish and continuing to build my skills speaking Spanish.

Teaching Demographics: My entire 33 years of teaching has been involved teaching minorities and I possess talented abilities teaching Hispanic students. I taught ESL math,in Midland ISD for 9 years. . In Duncanville ISD, I taught 24 years teaching and I LOVEd IT!!! My classroom was 96% minority - 100% success. I transitioned to counseling in 2015 and I am beginning my 9th year as a high school comprehensive counselor.

Favorite Hobby: Cooking and baking! I make the best Tamales de Puerco, Asado de Puerco, Menudo, Arroz Con Pollo, Mole de Pollo, Carne Guisada, Barbacoa, Picadillo con Papas, and of course HOMEMADE flour tortillas! Baking and Decorating Cakes! Reality TV – Season 2 of Next Great Baker

Personally: I was never expected to be very much, since I came from a poor single-parent family in a small rural town. Lots of odds stacked against me so I completely understand how many of my students feel. Abused and broken ...sometimes lost.... my self-esteem was really low. So again, I completely understand and know what it feels like to be the fat kid, to be made fun of, to be poor, to wear the same thing to school in August that I finished school with the previous May.… I did not have a life of gloom and doom, but I have experienced many things that our kids these days go through and continue to go through.

And I know that I am blessed by all the things that have happened to me because I can share my experiences and brighten someone else's life by letting them know that they can do anything they want. It is not a cliche with me: I firmly believe that students rise to the level of expectation!