About me

I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to NY at the age of 13. I grew up in a small neighborhood surrounded by family and friends in rural Santo Domingo. I absolutely loved partaking in after school shows that were held by my school's theatre group. We would often perform shows, recitals, and musicals throughout the school year. Theatre was such an exciting thing for me as a child and I am thankful that my school provided a safe space for us children to express ourselves. I also loved arts and crafts. I learned how to cross-stitch in middle school and it is one of my favorite hobbies to date. Needless to say, moving to a foreign country at the age of thirteen was challenging. I had to learn a new language, familiarize myself with a different culture and lifestyle, and make new friends. High school was a rather interesting experience and it made me understand how culture shapes our values and ideals. I later graduated from Brooklyn College with a BA in psychology.
   
Throughout my college years I worked as a part-time nanny caring for children, 1 to 6 years old. Around my last two years of college I worked for a youth service organization called Riverdale Neighborhood House. I worked with ESL students offering homework support during after school hours. It was a gratifying experience after being an ESL student myself. In 2017, I started working for a pre-k Montessori school. It was the first time I was introduced to the pedagogy and completely fell in love with the teaching style. In 2018, I moved to Spain to gain work-related experience abroad. I was a Teacher Assistant at a secondary school. It was an incredible experience and I am so grateful to have worked alongside such an amazing team of students and teachers. That same year I went to Ireland to au pair for a family of 3 boys ages 9, 5, and 3. In 2019 I returned to NY and am currently a substitute teacher in a Montessori school.
   
Children are at a pivotal age in their life where they are learning and developing. They are like sponges absorbing their surroundings. I agree with Dr. Montessori's words in that we should treat children with all the kindness which we'd wish to develop in them.