As the first family member of all present and preceding generations to strive for something beyond a high school education and having no financial or academic support of any kind, I worked hard to put myself though Pima Community College then graduated from the University of Arizona in 1984. Not feeling satisfied with what I'd accomplished, I returned as a graduate student eventually realizing that what I learned through it all was to think on my own, question everything, and find a peaceful place in the world to help make a difference. After substitute teaching for a local school district for three years, I began working with Exceptional Education students as a teacher assistant. That was twenty plus years ago. Everything I'd ever done in my academic life prepared me for this. Thank you so much to all my teachers, professors, and educational support staff who helped me make it through preschool, kindergarten and beyond!
