What led you to your current position as an Unconditional Education (UE) Coach?
After 12 years of working in the counseling enriched classrooms (CEC) in Berkeley, we were notified that our program would be closing. During that time of transition, I chose to see it as an opportunity to grow and explore new ways to support students. That’s when I became interested in learning more about the UE Coach role. My years in the CEC environment helped me realize that I wanted to expand my impact by helping create systems that ensure students feel supported, valued, and successful in their school environment. The UE Coach role included many of the practices I was passionate about: building relationships, fostering positive school culture, and implementing structures that help students thrive. It felt like a natural next step and an opportunity to continue growing professionally while deepening my impact.

What inspires you to do this work?
Growing up, Spanish was my primary language, and I struggled while learning English. I was fortunate to have teachers and adults who took the time to truly get to know me and created environments where I felt supported and encouraged to grow. Their patience and care made a lasting impact on my life. Now, as an adult and a mom, I understand even more deeply how important it is to create school environments where children feel seen, heard, and valued. When students feel safe and understood, it shapes their learning in a positive and meaningful way. Being part of building systems that support our little ones’ growth and well-being brings me so much joy. There is nothing better than seeing children happy and excited to come to school each day.

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What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role?
What I have learned is that change takes time. Working within school systems—and especially working with adults—can sometimes feel challenging or frustrating. But the more I work with adults, the more I realize that we all carry our own stories and experiences that brought us into education. Shifting perspectives and practices doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, understanding, and trust. I have worked with teachers who hold different lenses than I do, and I’ve learned that this is not only okay, it’s an opportunity for growth. My guiding question is always: How can we meet in a place that helps our students feel seen, valued, and supported? Sometimes that means holding space for adults as they reflect, grow, and move toward new ways of thinking. Supporting students often begins with supporting the adults who serve them.

Share your life motto or something unique about yourself.
“Love is what justice looks like in public.” -Cornell West