| I grew up speaking Spanish at home. My parents and older siblings emigrated to the U.S. from Valencia, Spain. I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I had the wonderful opportunity of living and attending school in Spain as a 10 year old.
I graduated from College of the Siskiyous in Northern California and transferred to San José State University, graduating with a B.A. degree in Spanish and Sociology. I spent a summer session abroad attending the University of Valencia in Spain with other Spanish majors across the U.S. I took a year off and worked for a social service program, working with Hispanic children and their families. I enjoyed working directly with children and decided to pursue my bilingual skills in the classroom. I completed the Bilingual/Bicultural teaching certification program at S.J.S.U. and taught fourth grade at El Roble School in Gilroy. Through the years I have tutored both students and adults in Spanish. I also worked ten years in the high tech field at Apple Computer, Inc., working in the Latin America sales and marketing divisions. My bilingual skills have contributed positively in all of my professional endeavors from education to high tech.
I am extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity to bring forth the Spanish program to St. Catherine School. I began teaching in grades K-2nd and now after eight years the program has two instructors and all grades K-8th have Spanish instruction twice a week.
My family has been a part of St Catherine Parish for many years. My husband and I have two children. Our son is a senior in high school and our daughter is a freshman. When I have a moment, I enjoy gardening, taking long walks and watching a good NBA game.
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