I have worked with children with disabilities for over fifteen years in a variety of capacities. My experience includes working with developmental, learning physical, sensory processing, speech, auditory processing, vision, and hearing disabilities. I also have lived experience with neurological disorders, chronic illness, chronic pain, and neurodivergence.

 

I began working with children with disabilities as an Instructional Aide and quickly fell in love with both the students and the work. After obtaining my BA, I worked as an Infant Development Specialist serving children between 6 months and 3 years old with developmental delays and as a Behavioral Interventionist working with children with a variety of disabilities ages 3 to 18. I worked with children in their homes, at school, and in the community. Eventually, I decided to pursue a career as a Resource Specialist Teacher serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade in Title 1 public schools. As a Special Education teacher, I was responsible for assessing students for disabilities, providing academic support, and case management. It was in this role that I really developed my advocacy skills, often pushing back against my employers on behalf of my students.

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I am also an advocate for disability rights, having volunteered with organizations such as ADAPT, the California Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities, CSUSB's Disability Sports Festival, Whittier Union High School District's Transition and Vocational Services, as well as working with several Independent Living Centers in the Southern California area. Today, I continue to work with the California Youth Leadership Forum and am a member of Democrats Abroad's Disability Caucus. 
 

During my time working with children with disabilities, I acquired several disabilities of my own. Unfortunately, a couple of years into the COVID-19 pandemic, my disabilities became severe enough that I was unable to continue working in the classroom. Excluded from the workforce due to stigma, discrimination, and the lack of available supports and accommodations, I grew even more passionate about providing accessible education and support to all students. Out of this experience, EdQuity Advocacy was born.​

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My personal journey as a person with disabilities has provided me with a first-hand understanding of the barriers our society poses to our success. It is my mission to help prepare students with disabilities to enter adulthood endowed with the tools, knowledge, skills, supports, and resources they need to take their rightful place in the world.