Tell us why you became a teacher

I started as being a teacher aid/bus monitor for Migrant Head Start in 2002, and a good friend of mine and mentor convinced me to get my CDA(Child Development Associate) So I did! After working with the children and their families I realized I loved it! I continued on with Migrant Head Start, Head Start and Public Schools. Over th 20 plus years of working in education I decided to further my education, so I went back to school and earned my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood May 2024.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience would be how I had a child that was autistic and he had never been in a child care setting before. So he struggled with other children, hitting teachers and pulling our hair, taking his socks and shoes off, throwing cups, chairs, toys etc. Over the year I had him, he overcame these. This has helped me see this differently with children that struggle with things like this and gave me a lot more patience. He is now in Preschool and doing great!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would probably put some money towards my house and give my parents some. Since we had a scare this year and almost lost my dad. So they would need money to help put towards medical expenses and help with remodeling their bathroom to be more suited for my dad and his needs.