A little bit about myself.... Ok, a lot

         I was raised in Lyford, Texas, a very small town in South Texas. Growing up in humble beginnings, I was unaware of my strengths and with a lot of hard work, anything was possible. 

        I first learned to appreciate the environment when I was about 10 or 11 years old. My fifth-grade teacher showed us a film about landfills. I was dumbfounded by the sheer amount of trash we produce. Since then, I have done what I could to learn to reduce my purchases, reuse what I have until it no longer has functional and no purpose, and when available recycle. Now, I am passionate about protecting our environment and our natural resources, while still allowing growth. New Braunfels is growing at an exponential rate. It is our responsibility to ensure that our natural resources are not being drained or contaminated during this growth. 

       Education became important to me when I realized that there is always something to learn and it is okay to not know something, but it is not okay to choose to not learn. Education is not just about what we learn in schools, but it is also about experiences, understanding that everybody has something to teach us, being open-minded, and never stop learning. Once I realized I was capable of going to college, I wanted more. In 2011 at the age of 31, I received my bachelor's in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at Brownsville. In 2015 I received my Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Science Education from the University of Findlay (UF). In May of 2024, I am receiving a Doctorate of Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership (UF). I will never stop learning. And because of my science background, I am data-driven and believe in doing what is proven to work rather than fulfilling my wants. I am currently a high school science teacher and encourage my students to never stop learning and never give up. Usually, they are shocked to hear that someone believes in them full-heartedly. 

       I am also passionate about my community. In 2001, I volunteered for the first time at a sea turtle rehabilitation center in South Padre Island. Since then, I have been an avid volunteer for my community. In 2018 I became a Texas Master Naturalist Lindheimer Chapter where our mission is “To develop a corps of well-trained Master Volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated toward the beneficial management of natural areas and resources within their communities for the State of Texas.” Not only is it important to volunteer for the community, but having safe roads, access to mental health facilities, and acceptance for everyone in our community without discrimination.