I attended Bates College where I received a degree in Child & Family Studies (Psychology, Sociology, Education) and Spanish. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland. I grew up in Montgomery County and am happy to be raising my own children, Alicia and Mateo, with my husband, Jordan, in this area. I am part Ecuadorian and have been fortunate enough to live in Spanish-speaking countries as a child and as an adult. I am passionate about, and get the greatest joy, from engaging with people, whether through my travels, personal life, or professional environment. My dedication to engaging with adolescents around topics of their health and well-being began when I was in middle school myself and had the opportunity to be a founding member of a peer education program focused on the prevention of HIV among youth in Washington, DC. The continuation of this work on a wider-range of health and wellness topics throughout high school, college, and my professional career led me to McLean where my youngest sister was a student. I was brought into McLean to provide health prevention presentations in the middle school and high school for over a decade in order to contribute to the knowledge and tools they needed to be their healthiest and safest selves. I am excited to now be a full time member of the team and institution that truly was transformative for my sister. As the Middle School Coordinator of Social-Emotional programming, I look forward to collaborating with other members of the community to continue to foster the trust, safety, and support that students need to realize their full social, emotional, and academic potential as confident students.