Tell us why you became a teacher

Guided by a solid commitment to the growth of all students, my mission is to ensure that all students attain the knowledge and skills that will empower them to become lifelong learners who are responsible, productive and engaged citizens.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I think that my most memorable teaching experience is having had the opportunity to teach with my mother who was a lifelong educator and advocate of the special needs community. I grew up helping her set up her classroom every August to now having my own classroom. My family has always stressed the importance of education; this is a quality that is engrained in me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

While I would appreciate the opportunity to utilize this money for my doctoral studies, my experience growing up with a sibling with special needs has made me keenly aware of the necessity for exceptional community programming. I intend to allocate these funds to enhance existing programs or develop new initiatives, including a special needs scholarship in my mother's name.