Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?
I chose UNI for my principalship program because I heard it was the best around, and I stayed for my doctorate because of the knowledgeable and supportive faculty!

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
I have always enjoyed learning and wanted to deepen my knowledge so I could make a bigger impact in my chosen field. 

How did you choose your area of focus for your dissertation? Why was this important to you?
I chose to focus my studies on immersion education because of its unique impact and growing importance. As a school leader at a one-way Spanish immersion school—a model that remains relatively rare—I recognized a significant gap in the existing research surrounding this approach. My goal was to deepen my understanding, not only to strengthen my own leadership, but also to contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation and support the continued success of my school community.

What three adjectives describe yourself? 
Hardworking, compassionate, driven

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree is a reflection of years of hard work, resilience and passion for education. It symbolizes my commitment to growing as a leader and my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students, especially within immersion education. It also means fulfilling a promise to myself to keep learning and to be a model of perseverance for my own children. This accomplishment is a celebration of every night spent on Zoom and  and every person who cheered me on along the way!

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as I worked on my degree was balancing being a student with being both a parent and a school leader. There were times when it felt like there simply weren't enough hours in the day. Juggling deadlines, managing my school community and making sure my family felt supported was not easy. What helped me push through was reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place: to show my kids that they, too, can accomplish what they set out to do, to build my capacity for leadership and to better serve my school.  

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI connected me to so many people throughout my five years here!  I am still connected to my 2020 Principalship Cohort (Go Purple!) and now I have added my doctoral cohort (Go Gold!).  The support is incredible!  The professors are unmatched--my dissertation chair, Dr. (Matt) Townsley, supported me every step of the way and helped me meet my deadlines and cross the finish line!

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
The friends I have made will be a lasting memory!  I will never forget the margarita nights!

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
If you're considering UNI, my best advice is: go for it! UNI offers a strong sense of community, dedicated faculty who truly care about your success, and programs that are both rigorous and rewarding. That said, be ready to work hard. Find your people—whether that’s classmates, professors, or staff—because they will be your lifeline on the tough days and your biggest cheerleaders on the good ones.

What's next? 
I am excited to be continuing in my role as principal of Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School and applying the knowledge gained from this program to better support our students, staff, and families. This degree has given me new tools and perspectives to help strengthen our immersion program and lead with intention. I look forward to continuing to grow our school’s mission, celebrate bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural appreciation and develop a supportive, inclusive learning environment for all.