Formal Higher Education
I earned my Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education at the University of Oxford in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. I lived and was a member at Worcester College during this time. You can read my thesis/dissertation here: ORA.
I earned my Master of Arts degree in English Literature and Language at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Spanish Language & Literature and International Studies, and minoring in Theology at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, USA.
I concurrently earned my Bachelor of Science degree while working toward my Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Secondary Education (English Language Arts) with a minor in Psychology at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, USA.
Professional Credentials
I am certified in Texas as a Classroom Teacher (EC-12th grades) in a number of subject areas.
I am certified in California as a Secondary Classroom Teacher of English.
I hold Qualified Teacher Status in the United Kingdom for teaching English and art to students of all ages.
I am certified in Texas as a School Counselor, as a School Principal, and as a Superintendent of Schools.
Education Career Highlights
I started my teaching career in North East ISD at Roosevelt High School.
I taught and facilitated learning workshops for postgraduate students in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford.
I led an online, evening high school as the principal in San Antonio ISD and worked in the Central Office.
I taught education coursework to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Sydney.
Personal Information
I was born on June 8th in San Antonio, Texas, where I was raised by an amazing mom and a phenomenal community. I have a younger sister and an older brother. I have lived, loved, and worked in some spectacular places, and I leverage these anecdotal experiences in my classroom to bring to life the curriculum that I teach. I attribute my scholastic achievement to the incredible foundation I was afforded through my attendance in the North East Independent School District as a student at Walzem Elementary School, Serna Elementary School, Garner Middle School, and MacArthur High School. I choose to teach because I believe it to be an incredibly noble profession; teaching is what my heart calls me to do. As favorite pastimes: I enjoy spending time with my godchildren (especially in the swimming pool), walking/running for exercise, reading/writing poetry, dancing, sometimes to the beat of my own maraca, and enjoying breakfast tacos at my favorite Mexican food spot--Melendez Mexican Restaurant off of Walzem Rd.
To my prospective students: I can't wait to learn from you and to teach you!
In the summer of 2024, I traveled back to the town of Oxford in the United Kingdom to take graduation photos because I was not able to do so during the pandemic when I officially graduated. From this experience, I learned the importance of tradition. Here a few of my favorite photos in my DPhil robes! :)