MY PATH TO TEACHING

I began my career in the medical field after earning my Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting from Santa Barbara Business College. After working as a medical assistant for several years, I realized I wanted to pursue a different path. I began working as an instructional aide in the Buellton Union School District, primarily supporting students in moderate to severe special education classrooms. Working closely with students and seeing them learn, grow, and achieve their individual goals inspired me to pursue a career in education. I became a Registered Behavior Technician to deepen my understanding of how to support students with different needs, and I am now pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education at Western Governors University.

WHAT SHAPED ME

My experiences working directly with students in special education have shaped me most as an educator. I have learned that teaching is not one-size-fits-all and that every student has different strengths, learning styles, and needs. These experiences have taught me the importance of getting to know each student, recognizing their strengths, and creating an environment where they feel encouraged and supported.

WHY SYV FAMILY SCHOOL

Even though I have only been at Family School for a short time, I love how welcoming and close-knit the community is. From the beginning, I have felt supported and included by the staff. I really appreciate the sense of teamwork and the way everyone looks out for one another. It is clear how much the community cares about both the students and each other, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it.

IN MY CLASSROOM

I hope my students feel safe, supported, and valued. I want them to know that their individual strengths and ideas matter and that everyone learns differently. I also want students to understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that challenges do not define what they are capable of achieving. Most importantly, I hope they discover their own strengths, build confidence, and believe in themselves as learners.

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. I love how the story shows the power of encouragement and how a little support can help a child discover their confidence and potential. It reminds me that every student starts somewhere and that even small accomplishments can lead to growth.

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

I am a mom of three, Bryan (13), Savinah (9), and Sebastian (7), so most of my free time is spent supporting their adventures and activities. All three of my kids play soccer, so we are always on the go, and I love cheering them on. When we have some downtime, I enjoy staying home with my family, watching a movie, or having a family game night with my kids and husband. Spending quality time with my family is one of my favorite ways to recharge.