Leadership

Educating children is my passion, so leading the Catholic dual language school community of Our Lady of Guadalupe School East truly defines me. Having been raised by Catholic parents from Central and South America, I was exposed to the challenges of cultural assimilation and second language learning. As a parent of three children and actively participating in their education, I became keenly aware of the many disparities and inequities that multicultural families experience.

Already holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Empire State College, I was inspired to continue my higher education and earned a dual Master’s degree in Spanish Education and TESOL. After teaching Spanish in the Catholic school system, I was afforded the opportunity to teach at Molloy College in Rockville Centre as an adjunct professor in the TESOL program. While continuing to hold that position, I taught ESL in the public school system for grades K-12 and became the elementary chairperson for the ESL department. These experiences have personally affirmed the value of the God given gifts of ethnicity and cultural diversity.

In continuing to broaden my education, I pursued additional certifications in Early Childhood Birth-2, Middle School Generalist Grades 6-9, Elementary Education K-6, and Advanced School Building Leadership. I completed my Doctoral degree in September of 2020 from North Central University. My research title “Encouraging Culturally Competent Mental Health Providers and Educators for Immigrant Students’ Educational Success: A Qualitative Case Study” was based on supporting immigrant students with their mental health needs during their school years and beyond. As a result of my doctoral research, I am an advocate of a curriculum that considers the whole child; not only religiously and academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

I am so appreciative of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the Morning Star Initiative that has provided the impetus for a thriving Catholic dual language school model. I am sincerely dedicated to lead our faith-filled community of students, teachers, and parents who believe in the successful future of Our Lady of Guadalupe School.