I believe that all children have the right to grow and learn in safe, nurturing, and engaging environments. As a scholar-activist for nearly twenty years, I’ve partnered with public, educational, and community-based organizations to understand and lift up innovative practices to support child and family well-being. My work has been published in academic and popular presses, in both English and Spanish.

Along the way, I became a parent to two beautiful young children. Through participating in their cooperative preschool and elementary schools, I fell in love with working directly with young children. I subsequently completed my credential in early childhood education, obtaining my Child Development Preschool Master Teacher/Site Supervisor Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Child Development Permit #210087646).

As I continued to work with schools, community organizations, and public institutions, I saw over and over again the foundational role of mental health and well-being in young peoples lives. I began pursuing a Master’s in Social Work in order to to step into a clinical role in supporting young peoples’ mental health and well-being. I anticipate completing my MSW in 2024.

Official bio here.