I grew up in Miami, Florida.  I graduated from Coral Reef High School in 2001, earned my AA degree from Miami-Dade College, and earned my bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Florida International University in 2007.   Throughout my college years, I worked at local elementary schools as an after school care leader, summer camp counselor, and substitute teacher.  

In 2008 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona where I formally began my career in education.  I went to Rio Salado College and earned my teaching certificate.  I taught middle school math for a total of five years.  

In 2015, I moved to Petrolia, California and shortly thereafter began working at Mattole Elementary.  I worked in a self-contained classroom teaching 3rd-6th grade for a total of 7 years.  

As of August 2025, I have over 13 years of formal teaching experience, and I have been working in education for over 20 years.