I am a very proud first-generation college graduate. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University. There, I earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Foreign Language (Spanish concentration) and Women's Studies and Gender Sexuality. As a freshman in college, I worked with elementary school students on their reading comprehension. My extended family is full of educators so, I believe, giving students hope is literally in my DNA. After graduating, I began work as a substitute and remained in that position until my first position as a high school Spanish teacher. I decided to move back home where I taught middle school Spanish for a couple years. My love for language includes the English language as well. In fact, the pandemic gave me the opportunity to virtually teach 1st grade literacy. Throughout my teaching career I have had the privilege of tutoring students in English Language Arts, Math, Reading and Spanish. I spent 6 months as a live- in nanny to two children with special needs including ADHD, autism, and sensory integration dysfunction. I am patient, kind and firm. I believe children of all backgrounds deserve our best- and work hard to achieve long-term success. I make it my mission to quickly get to know each child, build a trusting relationship with them, and make learning fun!