In the early 1960’s, my parents migrated from the Dominican Republic to Brooklyn, where I was born and raised. I am the youngest of nine children and the first in my family to earn a Master’s Degree. I am a high spirited, charismatic, enthusiastic counselor in the Poughkeepsie City School District. I have been very committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. I organize and work with projects that empower and help them strive to succeed. I am committed to living a healthy lifestyle. I am an active member of my school health and wellness committee and my union’s social and wellness committees. Recently I developed and executed the plan of a garden at our middle school. I consider myself an environmentalist, nature lover, and an avid gardener. I also enjoy many outdoor activities and learning from the world around me.