Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, but my family immigrated from El Salvador, and I spent a lot of time there as a child.
Q: What and where have you studied?
A: I studied psychology at UCLA and completed my educational specialist degree (EdS) at BYU.
Q: Where have you previously worked?
A: I worked as a school psychologist for Nebo School District for 10 years.
Q: Why did you choose to work at BYU?
A: I choose to work at BYU because its mission and vision allow me to approach teaching in a holistically fulfilling way. Also, I found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints late in my life, and working at BYU facilitates a uniquely powerful opportunity to grow in my spirituality. There is no better place to work!
Q: Growing up, what teacher inspired you the most? How?
A: My AP English teacher in high school, Mr. Jansson, inspired me to write. He taught me that I had a voice and that I had a responsibility to use that voice to persuade, uplift, and unite. I never thought of myself as a good writer until Mr. Jansson challenged that negative assumption.
Q: If your entire life was a movie, what would the title be?
A: Organized Chaos.
Q: What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?
A: Avocado and egg salad, but instead of using mayonnaise or anything creamy I mix lime juice and salt into it. My kids think its gross, but I say it’s healthy!
Q: Where could we find you on most Saturday mornings?
A: On the floor of our family room playing with my kids.
Q: Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?
A: We love Disney!
Q: Would you rather spend a night out on the town or stay home inside with a book?
A: I love to salsa dance, but I am in the season of life (with young kids) where my answer to this question must be to stay at home as an act of self-preservation, haha. Maybe when our kids are older my husband and I can return to our old salsa-clubbing ways.
