Where are you from?

I am from El Monte, I was originally born in Mexico, in Taxco Guerrero. I came here when I was four years old and I just stayed in El Monte most of my life.

What college did you attend?

I went to Mountain View High School and then went to Rio Hondo Community College. I got my AA there and then I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona. I got my bachelors degree from Cal Poly Pomona and I am currently finishing my masters degree from the University of La Verne.

Why’d you choose to come to Arroyo?

I was working here as a paraeducator. I worked a little over three years and the first reason I chose to come to Arroyo is that my husband used to teach here, math. But most importantly my son has autism and he goes to Cherrylee. Arroyo was closer to Cherrylee than the school that I was working,  Mountain View High School. Honestly I really like it, I knew a lot of the teachers before I started working here, and I love the culture. I think it’s a very fun and energetic culture and I think that a lot of the teachers have this great passion for teaching and I wanted to be somewhere where that infectious passion for teaching was going to help me.

How long have you been teaching?

This is my first year, but I was a paraeducator for five years.

What subject(s) do you teach?

I teach math, biology, study skills, and a freshman focus class.

Why’d you choose to teach what you are teaching?

My son was diagnosed with autism, so I always wanted to go into a field where I was going to make a difference and help in some way. When my son was diagnosed I immediately thought I want to learn more about autism and it’s something where I’m getting my masters in. I wanted to go on how to help and how to teach students who have different ways of learning.

What are some of your hobbies?

I like hiking, I like doing mud runs, I also like having dinner with my kids, we go every Tuesday and we do movie nights because they are $5. Spending time with my kids mostly.

What would you be doing if you were not teaching?

Originally I was thinking of going into social work and I did work in that area for a little bit. I think it would be something along the lines of helping others. Anything from volunteering or working with people. I did domestic violence for a while, so anything where I would help someone.

How do you like Arroyo so far?

I’ve always liked it. I am very happy here and I want to stay here as long as they’ll keep me.