I grew up in the Kansas City area, and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1996. After graduation, I taught science, dance, and social studies at a high school in the Shawnee Mission School District for five years. But then... the "travel bug" bit me, and I decided to move to Mexico! I spent four years as a middle & high school science teacher at ASFM (2002-2006). In that time, I also completed my Masters Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, through Buffalo State University. I also have a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. In the fall of 2006, I began working as the College Counselor here at ASFM. I am very happy to add that in February 2008 I married Roberto Garcia, who works in our school’s computer department. I am happy to call Monterrey my home, and thrilled to work in such a wonderful school as ASFM. The 2009-10 school year represents my thirteenth year as an educator, my eighth year at ASFM, and my fourth year as the College Counselor. (And may I just add here... I LOVE THIS JOB!!!) When I'm not working, I love to travel around Mexico with my husband, and visit my family and friends throughout the US. I love to read and go to the movies. My cat, Gatito Jackson (Tito), shares my unfortunate addiction to American Idol, Project Runway, and Grey's Anatomy, so we often watch together. I'm no Lorena Ochoa, but I do like to play a bit of golf from time to time. I also love to cook, and in particular I like trying to copy the flavors of my favorite restaurant recipes, but make them healthier. I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 15 years old. Education is basically my family’s business. One of my grandfathers was a professor of religion at the university level; another was the dean of a college of agriculture. My great aunt was a Ivy League university registrar for 42 years. One of my aunts is currently serving as the vice president of a college, and I have an uncle who is a university professor. My mother and father both taught elementary school, and some of my earliest memories are of helping my mom grade papers for her second graders (even before I was in second grade). I have several other aunts and uncles who have been or still are teachers, and my brother recently married a teacher. When I was growing up, many of our family vacations included college campus visits. I have family members who have attended Ivy League schools and Colleges That Change Lives. In some ways, I feel like I was destined for this job. As for me, I LOVED my college experience at the University of Kansas. My obsession with KU is probably apparent, if you've ever been to my office (okay, it's a shrine to the Jayhawk!)... but I promise that I will only recommend that you apply to the University of Kansas if it is truly a good fit for you! I love learning - in fact, I've taken at least one course from seven different universities! However, I didn't do a very good job of finding the right college for me until the second time around. I transferred to KU after my first year at a university that shall remain unnamed - but trust me, I was miserable. It was the right place for some people and it was great in the rankings, but it wasn’t for me! My counselor (who shall also remain unnamed) didn't really know how to help me find a place that was perfect for my needs... and although my father pushed me to look, I was focused on other things that were happening NOW (during my junior & senior year) rather than focusing on my future. What I can tell you is this: There is NOTHING that will motivate you to find the right college like being at the wrong one! Please, don’t make the mistake I made. Don’t procrastinate. This is your life. One of the things I love about being your college counselor is that I get to try to do a better job. I get to help you find the information you need. I get to encourage you to focus on the present AND the future. But the thing is... it's still YOUR decision, YOUR job, to make this decision. I promise I'll be your biggest cheerleader through the whole thing. My Mission: It is my goal to provide each high school student at ASFM with the guidance and resources to get into a college or university that fits their needs. To achieve that goal, I will... 1) Assist students in the process of learning about themselves and determining their future career interests. 2) Provide guidance and assistance in all aspects of the college application process, whether the student decides to apply to schools in Mexico and/or outside of Mexico. 3) Always be available for guidance and help, but still leave the onus of responsibility upon the student, because he or she is the one who must own this process and the final decision.